Dec. 1, 2014 --The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has received numerous applications from Nebraska schools that are seeking funding to replace older school buses with new buses that have certified cleaner burning engines. This funding is made possible by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s State Clean Diesel Grant program.

Dec. 4, 2014 --The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality announced the selection of four Nebraska schools that will receive Clean Diesel reimbursements. The reimbursements will be used to help the schools replace older school buses with new buses that have certified cleaner burning engines. This funding is made possible by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s State Clean Diesel Grant program.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality’s 2017 Clean Diesel Rebate Program is now accepting applications to receive rebates for three types of programs – school bus replacements, diesel refuse truck replacements, and agricultural irrigation pump diesel engine replacements. Applications must be submitted to NDEQ by December 15, 2017 to be considered.

NDEQ established the Nebraska Clean Diesel Program in 2008 to distribute funding received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of reducing diesel emissions in the state.

Jan. 2, 2015 – The online application and instructions for those applying for 2015 Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive grants is now available. The deadline for filing applications for 2015 is 4 p.m. Feb. 5, 2015. Below is a link to the waste grants program page, which provides access to grant applications and instructions:
 

Waste Reduction and Recycling Grants Program

Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Acting Director Pat Rice has announced the awarding of $2,099,364 in 57 grants for litter cleanup, recycling, and public education programs and activities. Funds for the Litter Reduction and Recycling Grant Program are generated from a fee charged to certain manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of products that commonly contribute to litter. The program has been providing grants annually since 1979.

October 26, 2017 -- Public comments will continue to be accepted through November 7 regarding the development of a solid waste management study that will be finalized and submitted to the Nebraska Legislature in mid-December.

LB1101, passed in the 2016 legislative session, directs the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) to prepare a study to examine the solid waste management programs implemented by the Department. The purpose of the study is to examine the need to modernize and potentially revise the state’s solid waste management programs.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the air quality in Nebraska meets revised federal ground-level ozone standards.

Historically, all of Nebraska has been listed as either in attainment or unclassifiable for ground-level ozone, which means that Nebraska businesses and communities are not subject to more stringent air requirements that are set in place when an area is considered “non-attainment.” Non-attainment areas typically occur in more highly-populated areas, due to higher volumes of vehicle and business emissions.

January 16, 2015 -- The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality intends to propose regulation changes later this year to Title 132 – Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations. The proposed amendments to Title 132 clarify existing provisions and create new provisions to streamline permitting functions and continue to protect the environment.

February 17, 2015 – The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has scheduled the annual Environmental Update to be held in two locations in Nebraska this April:

April 14 – Lincoln, at the Country Inn and Suites, Beacon Hill – 5353 N. 27th Street

April 16 – North Platte, at the West Central Research and Extension Center – 402 West State Farm Road

Representatives from businesses and industries are invited to attend, ask questions, pick up new information, and provide feedback.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality joins the National Groundwater Association in commemorating National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 8-14, 2015.

Below are some links from the National Groundwater Association regarding Groundwater Awareness Week:

National Groundwater Awareness Week website