2026 Legislative Update

By Kimberly Carroll Steward

On January 21, the Legislature wrapped up its ten days of bill introductions, with more than 500 new bills and proposed constitutional amendments introduced this session. Committee hearings are now underway and will continue through the end of February, with floor debate taking place in the mornings and hearings held in the afternoons. We are closely tracking a number of bills this session that are directly relevant to our work.

In particular, we are deeply concerned with LB1072 due to its potential impact on the Nebraska Environmental Trust and may have far-reaching implications for environmental funding and conservation efforts across the state.

At this time, NET is temporarily pausing the issuance of grant contracts for newly awarded projects, holding on to renewals of second and third-year projects, and potentially discussing the termination of the next grant cycle.

NRC will be opposing LB1072, and for our able members, we encourage you to submit written testimony, Agency 33, no later than February 4^th, 8 am.

Bills NRC is watching:

LB759 - Change provisions relating to water wells, the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, the Perkins County Canal Project Act, and the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Fund
This bill provides clean-up language related to LB317 (2025), the merger of the Department of Environment and Energy and the Department of Natural Resources into the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment. Ensuring that the current status accurately reflects the new department name and is consistent. Additionally, this would provide the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment with direct responsibility for allocating funds to the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Fund and would eliminate an additional approval step currently carried out by the Environmental Quality Council.
LR298CA - Constitutional amendment to create requirements for the use of the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund
This proposed constitutional amendment would require that all grants be awarded through a competitive process and limit state agencies’ use of the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund. Agencies would only have access to Trust funds if they provide a grant request that is granted in a competitive process, with evidence of a match for those funds of at least 50%. Grant applications from nonprofit groups and political subdivisions are not affected by the amendment.
LB1028 - Provide requirements for nutrient management plans and the application of livestock waste or litter
This would create standards for entities classified as large, concentrated animal feeding operations that apply large amounts of animal waste for fertilization purposes. While not directly mentioned in this bill, we see that this could link directly into composting and our work in the Framework for Statewide Organic Materials Management.
LB1072 - Provide for and change transfers from the Cash Reserve Fund and provide, change, and eliminate provisions relating to fees, funds, fund transfers, agency powers and duties, and various statutory programs
This is a broad appropriations and statutory amendment bill for fiscal and agency matters in the 2026 session. Like many budget-related bills, it was referred to the Appropriations Committee, where it will likely be considered along with other fiscal priority bills.

Carryover Bills:

LB607 - Adopt the Environmental Stewardship of Batteries Act, the Extended Producer Responsibility Data Collection Act, and the Minimum Recycled Content Act, and change provisions relating to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Fund
This carryover bill, introduced January 22, 2025, would adopt the Environmental Stewardship of Batteries Act, the Extended Producer Responsibility Data Collection Act, and the Minimum Recycled Content Act while amending solid waste and environmental protection statutes. We anticipate a coming amendment that would remove the “Environmental Stewardship of Batteries Act” language after the success of LB36 last year.
LB121 - Prohibit land disposal of solar panels and wind turbine blades and the component parts of solar panels and wind turbine blades
The general intent is to prohibit land disposal of solar panels and wind turbine blades or their components.
LR22CA - Constitutional amendment to provide the right to a clean and healthy natural environment, and that the state and political subdivisions serve as trustees of the natural resources of Nebraska
This constitutional amendment would provide the right to a clean and healthy natural environment and requires the state and political subdivisions to serve as trustees of Nebraska's natural resources.

The entire list of 2026 introduced bills is available online.

Submit your testimony to Agency 33, Oppose 1072

Standardized Recycling Labels Now Available!

By Carina Olivetti

The Nebraska Recycling Council is offering Recycle Across America standardized recycling labels to Nebraska communities at no cost through this simple application process.

Apply for Recycling Labels Here!

These easy-to-understand labels, modeled on proven national best practices, will help residents quickly know what can and can’t be recycled, reducing confusion and contamination. Your community can customize the labels that fit your local recycling program.

The NRC will accept label application forms until April 30, 2026. After the due date, we will order the requested quantities first come, first serve. If funds are remaining, we will have a fall application for labels until all funds are dispersed.

Shown above are examples of the customizable labels.

Thank you, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, for the funding to provide this program!

NRC's Guide to a Low-Waste Valentine's Day

By Jadyn Chasek

As the season of love approaches, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to reflect on what the holiday truly represents: love, appreciation, and connection. Over time, the focus has shifted toward overconsumption, resulting in unnecessary waste. The good news? There are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day sustainably—while making it more personal and meaningful.

DIY When Possible

Cooking a meal at home instead of dining out can help ensure your food is locally sourced, seasonal, and cost-effective. Shopping local supports small businesses and reduces the environmental impact of mass-produced, globally sourced food. Planning meals ahead can also help use ingredients you already have on hand, reducing food waste.

Handmade Valentine’s cards are another simple way to cut down on waste while adding a personal touch. Using recycled or reused paper makes this option even more sustainable—and it’s a great idea for classroom valentines, too.

Go Zero Waste

Taking it a step further, going zero-waste for Valentine's Day can also be made possible. Rather than buying or creating a Valentine’s Day card, send a personalized digital card to show your love.

When it comes to gifts, consider giving thoughtful gifts and experiences instead of mass-produced, disposable novelty items. Planning an ice-skating date, buying concert tickets, or going on a hiking or biking adventure are great gifts that are thoughtful and zero-waste. Gifting a houseplant is a longer-lasting alternative to cut flowers and can be enjoyed for years to come.

Recycling Equipment Grant Funding is Coming to a Close

By Grace Barton

Last month, Nebraska Recycling Council received an outpour of support for the continuation of our Recycling Equipment Grant program. Many of you took the time to submit testimonials or reach out with messages of encouragement. We are deeply grateful for your kind words and for advocating on our behalf with the Nebraska Environmental Trust Board.

Despite this strong support, funding was not approved to continue the Recycling Equipment Grant program beyond the current grant cycle. As a result, the program will sunset over the coming months. Our existing grant cycle, #24-132, will conclude in June 2026. Until that time, we will continue accepting applications for recycling equipment and distributing the remaining funds.

If you or an organization you know could benefit from a grant to purchase recycling equipment, now is the time to apply. Funds are still available, and we are committed to ensuring they are fully distributed before the grant cycle ends. Applications are due on the 15th of each month and are reviewed by our Grants Review Committee.

Click here for full details, eligibility requirements, and application materials

Once all funds have been distributed in June, the Nebraska Recycling Council will no longer offer recycling equipment grants. For current grantees, required reporting will continue through the full two-year reporting period, and site visits will proceed as necessary.

While this program is coming to a close, our mission remains unchanged: to maximize the environmental and economic benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska. We will be thinking of innovative ways to move recycling forward in our state, and we remain here to support, advise, and collaborate with you to strengthen recycling efforts.