State of Nebraska Archives: on Environment
Ben Sasse:
Fight any expansion of the Clean Water Act
[Sasse supports] fighting any expansion of the Clean Water Act. Ben knows that the government does not create jobs--businesses and local communities create jobs. The way to get a real economic growth agenda is by rolling back the regulatory state and
letting job creators go to work.One area where over-regulation has been most obvious is the energy sector. The Keystone XL pipeline should have been approved years ago. Ben believes that we need an all-of-the-above energy policy.
This approach would lower energy prices, create as many as three million jobs, and reduce our dependence on the Middle East.
When government gets out of the way, America can compete--and win--in any industry.
We've got the people; we've got the talent; and most of all we have the work ethic: the will to create something lasting for our families and our neighbors--if we can just get the federal government out of the way, and let our people build.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Oct 24, 2014
Dave Heineman:
Vetoes 25% State Park Fee Increase
Raising fees during these economic times is not the appropriate way to better state parks; government should be analyzing how to reduce expenses. Compounding these uncertain economic conditions are increasing energy costs, health insurance premiums,
and fuel prices. With increasing fuel prices, Nebraskans are going to stay closer to home. Increasing park entry fees will discourage Nebraskans from enjoying the outdoors and visiting Nebraska's attractions.
Source: 2011 Nebraska Gubernatorial press release
May 12, 2011
Deb Fischer:
Base gas tax on price, not volume, to pay for highways
The latest Bruning TV ads criticize both Fischer and State
Treasurer Don Stenberg, the third major candidate vying for the Republican Senate nomination. The ads accuse Fischer of raising taxes with her 2008 bill to create a gasoline excise tax based on price, instead of volume, and for other votes that triggered
gas tax increases by authorizing more highway construction.She calls the Bruning ad disingenuous because, as a former state senator, he knows that under Nebraska's system, gas tax increases are triggered by consumption levels and the amounts budgeted
for road construction. Public safety demanded additional money for highway construction because Nebraska had fallen behind, she said.
"It's very misleading to the public," she said. "It's trying to oversimplify a complex system."
Source: Omaha World Herald on 2012 Nebraska Senate ad review
May 12, 2012
Deb Fischer:
Ease regulations that affect Omaha sewer separation project
On water quality projects and flood fighting, Fischer and Raybould both said they see a federal role for supporting the efforts of local natural resources districts.Fischer pointed to her work with small communities on grants to improve water
quality and her efforts to ease regulations that affect Omaha's sewer separation project.
Raybould says Congress needs to raise standards for roads & bridges so they can withstand flooding in a changing climate.
Source: Omaha World-Herald on 2018 Nebraska Senate race
Aug 26, 2018
Don Bacon:
Support REINs Act to control our bureaucracies
Unlike my Democrat opponent, I would have supported the REINs Act that would have put important controls on our bureaucracies that are undermining our economy, small businesses, and our local governments.
The bureaucracies were not intended to be a fourth branch of government, and they need to be made accountable once again.
Source: 2016 Nebraska House campaign website DonBacon2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Scott Kleeb:
Increase flexibility in the Conservation Reserve Program
Increase flexibility in the CRP: With the call for increased grain production and the need for good conservation practices, Scott Kleeb believes we must take a hard look at the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Keeping in mind both sound conservation and responsible budget requirements, Scott will bring together agricultural leaders to determine whether early release of environmentally stable lands
while maintaining other environmentally challenged lands for a longer period of time would achieve both grain and feed needs and conservation commitments.
With better land management to free up prime farm land for agriculture and ensure conservation of important resources, we can both preserve the land for sportsmen and guarantee optimum growing potential.
Source: Campaign booklet, Nebraska's Brand of Change, p.23
Aug 19, 2008
Scott Kleeb:
Develop a long-term water strategy
DEVELOP LONG-TERM WATER STRATEGY: Farmers, communities, and homeowners face significant challenges from water. Scott Kleeb believes we must do more to better predict and address our growing water issues.- Preserving the Ground and Surface Water
Conservation Program. This program is essential to help farmers modernize their irrigation systems so they can grow more with less water.
- Long-term water planning committee.
- Conservation efforts. Scott is committed to enhancing
& encouraging conservation efforts that are practical, affordable, and effective.
- Better drought forecast and readiness. The National Integrated Drought Information System Act would establish a national center to study and predict droughts
in coordination with other organizations.
- Research and development. It is critical that we increase funding for the next generation of irrigation techniques, such as subterranean drips, and developing crops that require less water.
Source: Campaign booklet, Nebraska's Brand of Change, p.24
Aug 19, 2008
Peter Ricketts:
Biden's conservation goals would devastate state's economy
Ricketts led 15 Governors to push back on Biden's goal "of conserving at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030." The order parrots the policy goals of radical environmental groups. In Nebraska,
97% of our land is privately owned. Getting to 30% would require a major federal intervention. Setting aside that much land and water for conservation would also devastate food production, our rural communities, and our state’s overall economy.
Source: 2024 Nebraska Senate campaign website PeteRicketts.com
Apr 7, 2023
Dan Osborn:
Keep our air breathable and our water and land clean
Environment: Loosen or tighten environmental regulations?- Deb Fischer (R): Mostly loosen. Voted to block EPA air pollution standards for trucks, reduce the scope of the Clean Water Act, limit the ability of the
Fisheries Service to designate critical habitat areas, and not fund restoration projects on federal lands. Introduced a bipartisan bill to expand environmental precision agricultural tech.
Fund conservation projects to protect at-risk wildlife.
- Dan Osborn (I): Likely tighten. "One of our supporters brought their child to an event…. I promise you right now,
I will do everything I can in office to keep our air breathable and our water and land clean. Nebraska is too beautiful not to fight for."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Oct 9, 2024
Preston Love:
Prioritize our environment: tighten regulations
Environment: Loosen or tighten environmental regulations?- Preston Love (D): Likely tighten. Will "prioritize our environment and support the critical work of local farmers and ranchers in our state who work with our
natural resources every day."
- Pete Ricketts (R): Mostly loosen. Opposes labeling of the pesticide glyphosate. Opposed expansion of Endangered Species protections. Supports funding flood resilience and rehabilitation of aging dams.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Oct 25, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026