Nebraska launches new agency to streamline water and energy

Nebraska recently launched a new state agency, the Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE). The agency consolidates the Department of Environment and Energy and the Department of Natural Resources. The merger will take effect July 1.

DWEE’s mission is to protect Nebraska’s natural resources and enforce regulations. The creation of the new agency is expected to improve collaboration across sectors, simplify permitting processes and strengthen strategic planning related to water, energy and environmental issues.

DWEE will provide technical support to agricultural producers, increase outreach and encourage water-use innovation and conservation practices. Additionally, the agency will oversee energy providers and public investments in water-related infrastructure. In doing so, DWEE will enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector—the state’s leading industry—and ensure energy and water projects are economically and environmentally sustainable to serve local communities across the state.

One of the agency’s top priorities is the continued development of the Perkins County Canal project, a $600 million initiative to secure and manage Nebraska’s water rights. DWEE will also coordinate with the newly formed Water Quantity and Quality Task Force to address the state’s long-term water needs.

The Department of Water, Energy and Environment will be funded by a combination of state appropriations and federal grants. The two former departments’ state and federal appropriations totaled about $203 million, but the budget for the new agency is not yet available.

DWEE will be headed by Jesse Bradley, who is currently serving as the interim director of the Department of Environment and Energy and the acting director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The agency will create a new position of chief water officer to lead the new Division of Water and report directly to the DWEE director. Bradley and the chief water officer will be appointed by the governor and subject to confirmation by the Nebraska Legislature.

The launch of DWEE aligns with a broader national movement to streamline government operations and eliminate redundancies.

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