| Formal Name: | Nebraska Environmental Trust Board |
| Contact Person: | Karl Elmshaeuser |
| Purpose: | Neb. Rev. State. 81-15,168 It is the intent of the Legislature to establish the Nebraska Environmental Trust for the purpose of conserving, enhancing, and restoring the natural physical and biological environment in Nebraska, including the air, land, ground water and surface water, flora and fauna, prairies and forests, wildlife and wildlife habitat, and natural areas of aesthetic or scenic values. The current and future well-being of the state and its citizens is vitally dependent on a safe and clean environment and requires a dynamic, proactive approach to address environmental needs. The trust shall complement existing governmental and private efforts by encouraging and leveraging the use of private resources on environmental needs with the greatest potential impact on future environmental quality in Nebraska. The trust shall develop a long-range environmental focus which encompasses the vision of all Nebraskans regarding the future of the environment and shall join public and private efforts in achieving the collective environmental goals of Nebraska's citizens. |
| How Many Affectable: | Residents and visitors of the State of Nebraska |
| How Many Served: | Potentially all Nebraska citizens Grants have been funded in 93 counties of Nebraska |
| Year Created: | 1992 - LB1257, 45 |
| Year Active: | 1993 |
| Sunset Date: | None |
| Authorization Citation: | Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-15,167 to 81-15-176 |
| Parent Agency: | NA As per Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-15,170, the Game and Parks Commission shall provide administrative support, including, but not limited to, payroll and accounting functions, to the board. |
| Number Of Members: | 14 members (5 specified agency directors and 9 citizen members) |
| Who Appoints: | Governor appoints nine citizen members |
| Legislative Approval: | Approval of a majority of the Legislature for the nine citizen members |
| Qualifications Of Members: | Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-15,170 The Nebraska Environmental Trust Board is hereby created as an entity of the executive branch. The board shall consist of the Director of Environment and Energy, the Director of Natural Resources, the Director of Agriculture, the secretary of the Game and Parks Commission, the chief executive officer of the Department of Health and Human Services or his or her designee, and nine citizens appointed by the Governor with the approval of a majority of the Legislature. The citizen members shall begin serving immediately following notice of nomination and prior to approval by the Legislature. The citizen members shall represent the general public and shall have demonstrated competence, experience, and interest in the environment of the state. Two of the citizen appointees shall also have experience with private financing of public-purpose projects. Three appointees shall be chosen from each of the three congressional districts. |
| Per Diem: | No |
| Expense Reimbursement: | Members are reimbursed for expenses as provided in sections 81-1174 to 81-1177. |
| Term Length: | Citizen members - 6 years |
| Terms Rotate or Expire At Once: | Terms Rotate |
| Required FY 21-22: | Four |
| Held FY 21-22: | Nine |
| Required FY 22-23: | Four |
| Held FY 22-23: | Six |
| Required FY 23-24: | Four |
| Held FY 23-24: | Six |
| Support Staff: | Four |
| Shared or Separate: | Separate As per Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-15,170, the Game and Parks Commission shall provide administrative support, including, but not limited to, payroll and accounting functions, to the board. |
| FY 21-22 Budget: | $20,676,142 |
| FY 22-23 Budget: | $21,187,314 |
| FY 23-24 Budget: | $21,309,636 |
| Other Funding Sources: | Nebraska Lottery, and as per Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-15,173, any gift, grant, bequest, royalty, and donation. |
| Spending Authority: | Yes - Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-15,174 and 81-15,174.01 allow utilization of the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund and Nebraska Environmental Endowment Fund. |
| Since July 1, 2020: | From July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2024, the Trust has awarded over 257 grants totaling $67,346,931. In 2023, LB 814 authorized $14,000,000 to be transferred from the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund to the Water Resources Cash Fund ($7,000,000 transferred in FY 23-24 and $7,000,000 transferred in FY 24-25). These awards fall under the purpose of conserving, enhancing, and restoring the natural physical and biological environment in Nebraska, including the air, land, groundwater, and surface water, flora and fauna, prairies and forests, wildlife, and wildlife habitat and natural areas of aesthetic or scenic values. In 2021, the Trust 22 Committee was established and sought assistance from the Nebraska Center for Operational Excellence to enhance NET's processes. At least twelve items were found in NETs rules and regulations that needed to be addressed. - In May 2022, the Title 137 Committee was created to focus on procedures, policies, and efficiencies in the rules. The committee also concentrated on ensuring that Title 137 was in alignment with state statutes. In September 2022, the Title 137 Committee established a process to promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the steps outlined in state law. In October and November 2022, public listening sessions were conducted in each Congressional District to allow the public to provide feedback on revisions needed for NETs rules and regulations. A fourth listening session was conducted via Zoom in December 2022 for those unable to attend in person. After navigating through the review and approval process, revisions to Title 137 became effective on August 12, 2023. Updates to the Bylaws of the Nebraska Environmental Trust Board, Board Policies, and the Grant Contract were approved by the NET Board. In July 2023, the Board Office moved to a new location at 2077 N St, Suite 310. The new office space complies with ADA regulations. The new office complies with ADA regulations, and provides space for board, committee, and grantee meetings. Annual Reports for the Nebraska Environmental Trust are submitted to the Nebraska Legislature online and can be found at https:nebraskalegislature.govreportsbcsurveyview.php |