Ethanol Board Bill Advances at Nebraska Legislature

LB 815 was brought forth by Senator Tom Brandt.

The intent of LB815 is to update and modernize the statutes governing the Nebraska Ethanol Board. The bill removes outdated and obsolete statutory language and reaffirms the board’s primary mission of supporting, promoting, and developing Nebraska’s ethanol industry. LB815 further strengthens the board’s engagement with the promotion and development of products derived from ethanol and ethanol coproducts, such as sustainable aviation fuel, reflecting emerging markets and evolving uses for ethanol and ethanol-derived products. The bill also establishes a one-quarter of one cent per gallon ($0.0025) excise tax on dyed diesel fuel. Revenue generated from this excise tax is intended to replace declining refund-based funding mechanisms and support the ongoing work of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. Finally, LB815 updates the composition of the Nebraska Ethanol Board by adding two additional ethanol producer seats and converting the existing business seat into a third ethanol producer seat, ensuring board membership reflects current industry representation and expertise. 

Senators Teresa Ibaugh, Mike Jacobson, Fred Meyer, Stan Clouse and Dave Murman were among those speaking on the bill, which advanced 28-0 this morning.