This bill amends several sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to establish new requirements for the approval of pipelines intended for the transport of carbon dioxide. The Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is granted the authority to approve such pipeline applications, contingent upon the demonstration of a compelling need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, operational safety, no taxpayer costs, environmental protection, and economic benefits to Nebraska. Additionally, the bill prohibits the exercise of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring rights-of-way for pipelines primarily transporting carbon oxide.

The bill also modifies existing provisions related to the geologic storage of carbon dioxide, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining consent from all affected property owners before construction can commence on a storage facility. It outlines the conditions under which permits for storage facilities may be issued, including compliance with environmental safety standards and the requirement for a comprehensive geologic study. Notably, if consent from all reservoir estate owners is not obtained, the commission is mandated to deny the permit application. The act is set to become operative on January 1, 2027, and repeals the original sections of the statutes mentioned.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 57-1101, 57-1602, 57-1610, 57-1612