Nebraska law

Environmental Laws in Nebraska.

Nebraska environmental law combines federal programs (RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, CAA) with state implementation through the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). Nebraska has significant groundwater and surface-water issues given its position over the Ogallala Aquifer and dependence on agriculture. The Nebraska Environmental Protection Act and Integrated Solid Waste Management Act implement federal delegations. Nebraska Ethanol Board oversees biofuels policy. Nebraska has active NEPA-style review for state projects.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Nebraska Statutes

Nebraska Environmental Protection ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 81-1501 et seq.

Authorizes NDEE to administer water quality (delegated CWA) and air quality (delegated CAA) programs, including permitting, enforcement, and standards-setting.

Integrated Solid Waste Management ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 13-2001 et seq.

Governs solid waste management planning, permitting, and regional waste authorities.

Groundwater Management ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 46-701 et seq.

Authorizes Natural Resource Districts (NRDs) to manage groundwater on a local basis. Nebraska is one of the few states with locally-governed groundwater management — critical given the Ogallala Aquifer.

Livestock Waste ManagementNeb. Rev. Stat. § 54-2401 et seq.

Regulates livestock waste management given Nebraska's major livestock industry. NDEE permits confined feeding operations.

Nebraska Environmental TrustNeb. Rev. Stat. § 81-15,170 et seq.

Grants from state lottery funds support environmental restoration, conservation, and natural-resources protection projects.

State law

Official Sources

Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy U.S. EPA

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Nebraska.

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Environmental Laws in Nebraska.

Key Nebraska Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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