LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen ceremoniously signed LB317, creating the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE). He was joined in remarks by Senator Tom Brandt, who brought the legislation on the Governor’s behalf, as well as Jesse Bradley, who will serve as director of the new agency and Matt Manning, the newly appointed chief water officer for the state.
LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is announcing appointments made to boards and commissions December 31, 2024, through March 31, 2025.
The ranking aims to evaluate states by their high schools' budgeting education, using data from 11 metrics across 2 dimensions. Each metric's weighting is based on its relevance to educational outcomes and growth.
Source: Wallet Hub, 2025
States' fiscal stability is rated on 4 metrics between Long-Term and Short-Term fiscal indicators using data from Moody's and The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, May 2025
States' quality of infrastructure is rated on 9 metrics across the subcategories of Energy, Internet Access, and Transportation using data from various federal government sources.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, May 2025
LINCOLN, NE – Noting that Nebraska and other states are currently experiencing fuel shortages due to high demand, Governor Jim Pillen has issued an executive order waiving federal hours of service requirements. The order temporarily allows drivers to work extended hours to haul gasoline or gasoline blends, diesel, fuel oil, ethanol, propane, and biodiesel into or within Nebraska.
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Chief Bryan Waugh as the next superintendent for the Nebraska State Patrol. He will assume his duties on June 2. Waugh replaces Colonel John Bolduc, who is retiring on May 4.
LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has revised a burn ban to allow fire chiefs discretion in granting burn permits to irrigation districts so that they can continue to clear vegetation from ditches. Other than that exception, burning remains off limits in central and western Nebraska until midnight on May 10.
LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 317, which will form the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. This legislation was introduced at the request of the Governor.
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the retirement of Rosalyn Cotton from the Board of Parole. Cotton has served on the board since 2005. She was first appointed as chairperson in 2015 and again in 2020. Her current term was set to expire next year.
