This bill amends the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act by eliminating provisions related to incentive payments and legislative intent, while also modifying the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Cash Fund and extending the program's termination date to December 31, 2030. The Department of Natural Resources will continue to administer the nitrogen reduction incentive program, which aims to encourage farmers to reduce commercial fertilizer use and adopt innovative farming technologies. The bill also introduces a requirement for the Department to apply for a $25 million grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, to be distributed in five annual installments, to support the program's objectives.

Key changes include the removal of the cap on total annual incentive payments and the legislative intent regarding appropriations from the General Fund. Additionally, the bill establishes a subaccount within the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Cash Fund specifically for tracking grant funds received from the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund. The Department of Natural Resources is tasked with ensuring that any grants awarded are credited to the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Cash Fund, thereby enhancing the financial resources available for the program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-414, 2-416, 2-417