LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has sent invitations to schools across the state, seeking students’ entries for the 2026 “Nebraska: Don’t Waste It!” environmental calendar. The contest is open to all Nebraska students from grades K through 12, and the submission deadline is May 1, 2025.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) Interim Director Kara Valentine announced Jan. 24 the award of $9,798,781 in grants to support 136 projects across the state. These grants will help fund waste and litter reduction projects, recycling programs, and pay costs for scrap tire cleanups and collections for household hazardous waste, electronic waste, and pharmaceuticals. 

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has released a report following the completion of the Nebraska Nitrate in Drinking Water Study. 

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has released its 2024 Annual Report to the Legislature. It can be found in its entirety on the agency’s website. 

The report provides an overview of the agency. It contains information on NDEE’s programs, an expenditure and budget summary, and agency accomplishments throughout fiscal year 2024.

As required by Nebraska statutes, the department submits the report to the Nebraska Legislature by Dec. 1 of each year.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program has grant funds available for public and private schools, local educational agencies, and licensed child care programs across the state to remediate lead in drinking water and reduce children’s exposure. 

Funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act grant and will be used to replace faucets, fixtures, fountains, and water filler stations that have previously tested high for lead.

LINCOLN, Neb – Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has announced it has selected United Way of the Midlands (UWM) to administer the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program in Douglas County.

The Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income individuals and families in Nebraska to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. To be eligible, household income must fall below 200%, or double, the federal poverty level.

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has announced additional awards through its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program.

Nebraska received EECBG funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support local communities in implementing high-impact, self-sustaining clean energy projects.

The two additional grant awards are:

The 2024 Power Summit, sponsored by NDEE and NPPD, was held in Lincoln on Sept. 26, 2024. The Power Summit provides those in the power generating industry and those responsible for the implementation of the associated environmental regulations with an opportunity to exchange information related to power production, environmental policies, programs, and issues in Nebraska.

A primary objective of the Summit is to enhance the dialogue that has been established between the power industry and the associated regulatory agencies.

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has announced the award of $898,139 in grants to support nine projects that will demolish dilapidated commercial properties across the state.

The funds are provided through the Revitalize Rural Nebraska grant program. NDEE received applications from 15 communities during the application period earlier this year.