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.
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, North Platte Natural Resources District
Brittany Bartak, Agronomist, Yield Plus Agronomics
Russ Callan, General Manager, Lower Loup Natural Resources District
Brian Bruckner, General Manager, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District
Annette Sudbeck, General Manager, Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District
Scott Knobbe, Knobbe Feedyards
John Shadle, Water Resources Advisor, Nebraska Public Power District
Tim Mundorf, Central Valley Ag
Steve Kyes, Seed Corn Producer
Brian Kissinger, Fort Kearny Consolidated Feedyard
Devin Brundage, General Manager, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District
Joe Anderjaska, Director, Middle Republican Natural Resources District
Tom Downey, President & CEO, Downey Drilling
Jessica Groskopf, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska
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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.
MEETINGS
RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIALS
The Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act (NiRIA) is a state initiative aimed at encouraging farmers to reduce the use of commercial nitrogen fertilizers. Administered by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) in collaboration with local Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), the program offers financial incentives to producers who decrease their nitrogen application rates.
The Nebraska Strategic Ag Coalition’s (NSAC or Coalition) mission is to support sustainable agriculture across the state by promoting best management practices (BMPs) for soil health, water quality enhancement, and livestock management. The Coalition connects farmers with essential resources, peer networks, and opportunities that support resilient, profitable farming. Additionally, the Coalition serves as a statewide resource hub and connector, providing a comprehensive repository of information and fostering peer-to-peer collaboration. Through a searchable, filterable catalog of cost-share opportunities tailored by location, commodity, and practice type, farmers can find relevant support. The Coalition also facilitates connections to technical service providers and hosts events such as field days and conferences, creating a strong support network across Nebraska’s agricultural community.
Resilient Soils and Water Quality Act Annual Reports
This Nebraska Grazing Exchange was created to connect livestock producers and those with available cropland or forage to graze by utilizing an interactive map while providing important resources. Integrating livestock into cropland and proper grassland management are key steps in increasing overall soil health.
Nebraska Soil Health Coalition (NSHC)
NSHC purpose is to advance producer-centered education, outreach, and adoption of soil health principles to build resilient farms, ranches, and communities across Nebraska.
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has released a report following the completion of the Nebraska Nitrate in Drinking Water Study. Funding for the study came from the passage of LB814 (2023), at the request of Governor Jim Pillen. The goal of this study was to provide an analysis and recommend viable solutions for nitrate-affected drinking water, including private domestic wells, which are not regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This study focuses on nitrate in groundwater being used for drinking water.
Find Your NRD | Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts
Annual Groundwater Management Summary (2024)
This summary contains a timeline of key legislative measures, maps highlighting general water management activities, and a one-page summary of water management action steps for each District.
Groundwater Quality Phase Areas Web Map
This map shows the current NRD water quality phase areas across the state of Nebraska including phase area, triggers, and more
Pursuant to LB517 (2013), the Legislature created a Water Funding Task Force to make five recommendations to use in developing water funding legislation for the 2014 session. The report below summarizes the Task Force’s principal recommendations.
Nebraska Water Funding Task Force – LB517 (2013)
Pursuant to LB229 (2011), NeDNR conducted an interim study (LR314) and compiled additional materials to produce a report identifying water management funding needs and potential funding mechanisms at the time.
LR314 Interim Study Resolution Report: Funding for Water Management
Transcript from LR314 Briefing Hearing
Report from Workshop on Funding Water Development in Nebraska
