On July 1, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources will be folded into the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy, creating the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, & Environment. Nebraska lawmakers this week approved the merger to create one central department designed to increase the state’s focus on water. Governor Jim Pillen reportedly plans to sign LB 317 next week.
Jesse Bradley currently serves as the joint Interim Director of Natural Resources and Environment & Energy. Pillen said Bradley would lead the restructured agency.
Pillen also has created a Water Quality and Quantity Task Force, focusing on a resource that he has called the state’s “lifeblood.”
