This bill amends various sections of Nebraska's statutes concerning the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, with a particular focus on the Integrated Solid Waste Management Cash Fund and the Department's Cash Fund. A significant change is the increase in water well registration fees from forty dollars to two hundred dollars, with the collected fees designated for implementing rules related to water well and hazardous waste management. The bill also eliminates outdated provisions and aims to harmonize existing laws for improved clarity and efficiency. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of a fee structure by the environmental protection council to ensure that fees cover a substantial portion of program costs, with annual reviews to maintain their adequacy.

Moreover, the bill introduces new regulations for the issuance of permits related to air quality and hazardous waste management, including a fee schedule for hazardous waste generators based on waste quantity. It emphasizes public health and environmental protection, requiring restoration efforts to minimize hazards and maintain resource quality. The council is granted authority to revoke or modify permits if standards are not met and must hold public hearings before adopting or amending environmental standards. The legislation also establishes the Water Quality and Quantity Cash Fund to support regulation under the Clean Water Act, mandating application and annual fees for certain permits starting July 1, 2027, while clarifying exemptions and updating citations for the Environmental Protection Act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13-2041, 46-606, 54-2428, 81-1505, 81-1532