Nebraska Natural Resources Committee hears reappointments to Ethanol Board; nominees emphasize industry and farm experience
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Summary
The committee heard three NEB nominations: Scott McPheeters, Taylor Nelson and Jamie Burup (labor rep). Nominees and industry groups stressed ethanol’s role in Nebraska agriculture and market development; testimony was uniformly supportive and no online opposition was recorded.
LINCOLN, Neb. — The Natural Resources Committee opened its session with reappointment hearings for several seats on the Nebraska Ethanol Board, where nominees highlighted agricultural experience and industry ties.
Scott McPheeters of Gothenburg described his farm operation and service on a farmer‑owned ethanol plant board and said he looks forward to continuing on the NEB. Ben Rhodes, NEB executive director, told the committee McPheeters has served two prior terms and has been an ‘‘active contributor’’ who brings a producer perspective to board discussions.
Taylor Nelson, seeking reappointment as the NEB’s corn representative, described himself as a fifth‑generation farmer who installed blender pumps at a Jackson, Neb., retail location and said his experience spans production, retail and advocacy. Rhodes and renewable‑fuels groups — Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Sorghum Association — testified in support, citing Nelson’s industry knowledge and experience promoting ethanol market development.
The committee also heard a nomination for a labor representative, Jamie Burup, identified as a business representative for Steamfitters Local 464. Witnesses from labor and industry groups supported the appointment and emphasized his experience on construction and plant operations.
Committee members asked routine clarifying questions about term lengths, prior service and board meeting frequency. The committee recorded no online comments and no ADA testimony on the reappointments.
