Decarbonization goals establish state as clean energy leader

Nearly every Nebraskan is now served by an electric utility committed to supplying clean, sustainable energy.

On Dec. 9, Nebraska Public Power District's board of directors voted, 9-2, to adopt a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This means the utility will steadily seek to source more energy from carbon-free sources, such as solar and wind energy, and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive sources, such as coal, over the next 30 years.

With the adoption of this policy, NPPD joins Lincoln Electric System and the Omaha Public Power District in what has become a statewide effort to reduce carbon emissions for a decarbonized electric grid. OPPD adopted its net-zero by 2050 goal in 2019 and LES aims to reach net-zero by 2040 as part of a goal adopted in 2020.

This is a big win for Nebraska and its rural communities.

Clean energy brings additional tax dollars that support local schools, infrastructure and public services. Clean energy projects also bring jobs, increased retail sales and secure payments to area landowners, in addition to providing sustainable, homegrown energy. Rural Nebraskans are aware of these benefits and want to bring them to their communities.

With the state's unique public power system, Nebraskans have the power to influence how their energy is generated. NPPD's rural customer-owners are to be commended for the part they played in the adoption of this goal.

Because of their efforts, and the work of others, Nebraska has established itself as a clean energy leader on the road to providing affordable, reliable and sustainable clean energy across the state.