Environmental trust bill advances after lengthy debate

LINCOLN – Senators voted to advance an environmental trust bill after a day and a half of contentious debate.

The bill (LB57), introduced by Sen. Tyson Larson of O’Neill, would require Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (NET) board approval for the sale or transfer of land initially purchased with grant money from the fund.

Senators voted 27 to 17 to advance the bill April 3 after more than eight hours of deliberation over the course of two days.

“This bill would require transparency and accountability of the Nebraska Environmental Trust board now and would ensure that the practices a...