Governor Jim Pillen has taken an important step in protecting and preserving Nebraska’s vital water resources through the initiation of a Water Quality and Quantity Task Force.

Over the next 12 to 15 months, the Task Force will meet to identify short-, mid-, and long-term goals, along with corresponding action items to be pursued. To better address specific issues, members may break down into smaller subgroups. The Task Force will focus on actionable solutions and consider avenues that encourage greater adoption of technologies and solutions by Nebraskans.

Core members of the Task Force, appointed by the Governor, represent a cross-section of interests and industries:

Jesse Bradley, Interim Director, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Environment and Energy (DEE)

Matt Manning, Engineer, Department of Natural Resources

Marty Stange, Environmental Supervisor, City of Hastings

Brandon Hunnicutt, Chairman, Nebraska Corn Board

Don Batie, Past-President of the Natural Resources Commission and farmer

Dean Settje, Founder & President, Settje Agri-Services

Scott Schaneman, General Manager of the North Platte Natural Resources District

Additional members will be added in the coming weeks, creating a full Task Force of about 20-25 members.

Governor Pillen announced the creation of the Water Quality and Quantity Task Force when he testified on LB317 (2025). The bill, brought on his behalf by Senator Tom Brandt, calls for the merger of the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in part, to bring more meaningful and streamlined oversight around water use. Both DEE and DNR will play roles in education efforts and support for the Task Force, utilizing each agencies' expertise in the areas of water quality and quantity.

This web page will serve as a resource for information related to Task Force activities and will be updated periodically.