The Nebraska Legislature's Natural Resources Committee convened on September 5, 2025, to discuss the implications of net-zero plans and goals for public power utilities. The meeting featured a presentation from a representative of the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), who provided insights into the district's approach to carbon emissions and regulatory challenges.

The speaker began by thanking the committee for the opportunity to address the interim study and referenced a response from the NPPD dated July 7, which included strategic directives related to carbon emissions reductions, reliability, resilience, and cost competitiveness. The representative clarified the distinction between achieving net-zero emissions and complete elimination of carbon emissions, emphasizing that net-zero involves balancing emissions with equivalent removals, while zero emissions would require total elimination, a goal deemed neither achievable nor affordable with current technology.

The discussion then shifted to regulatory uncertainty affecting electric utility generation. The speaker outlined the evolving landscape of federal regulations impacting greenhouse gas emissions, noting significant changes over the years, including the Clean Power Plan and its subsequent replacements under different administrations. The representative highlighted the challenges posed by these regulations, which have led to a decline in coal's share of the national power supply, from 50% two decades ago to approximately 16% in 2024. However, Nebraska continues to rely heavily on coal, generating about 50% of its electricity from coal-fired plants, due to the state's access to low-sulfur coal and cost advantages.

Additionally, the speaker addressed concerns from rating agencies and investors regarding greenhouse gas emissions associated with specific utilities. The representative emphasized the unique position of public power, which prioritizes customer accountability through governance models that ensure boards are composed of and accountable to the customers they serve.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the complexities surrounding public power utilities' efforts to navigate regulatory frameworks while maintaining a focus on customer needs and cost-effectiveness. The discussions set the stage for further inquiries and potential policy considerations as the committee continues its examination of the impact of net-zero goals on Nebraska's public power landscape.