This bill amends section 77-6203 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to establish a framework for designating counties in Nebraska as "American energy friendly counties." The designation aims to promote rural economic development and increase local tax revenue from privately developed renewable energy generation facilities. The bill introduces definitions for terms such as "electric energy storage resource" and "privately developed renewable energy generation facility," and outlines the process for counties to apply for this designation, including the requirement for a resolution from the county board and potential voter approval.

Additionally, the bill modifies the nameplate capacity tax for renewable energy generation facilities, allowing those in designated counties to pay a higher tax rate. It creates the American Energy Friendly Counties Fund to support counties in achieving this designation and outlines eligible expenses for grants to assist with compliance. The bill also specifies that counties must adopt certain regulations to qualify, including permitting renewable energy facilities by right and not imposing excessive restrictions on their operation. The original section 77-6203 is repealed, consolidating the new provisions into the updated legal framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 77-6203