Cornhusker State News

Governor Jim Pillen has expressed support for a lawsuit filed by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers that seeks to prevent the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) from ending coal energy generation at its North Omaha Station. The legal action comes as discussions continue about the future of coal-fired power in Nebraska and nationwide.

Pillen stated, "It’s foolish for any power district to turn away from the single most affordable means of energy production known to mankind." He noted Nebraska's access to coal reserves in Wyoming and the existing railroad infrastructure that facilitates delivery.

The governor also linked energy policy with national security concerns. "Foreign adversaries have sped up their own coal production, most notably China and Russia. It is unfathomable why we would take any action that would slow or stop our own expansion of coal-driven energy," he said.

Pillen highlighted his ongoing efforts to maintain and grow coal infrastructure within Nebraska, citing cost-efficiency and reliability for residents. He described the lawsuit as an important move toward these objectives: "Today’s coal production does not carry the same emission risks that it did in the past. The scrubbing technology that is used today is very efficient and very effective in removing pollutants. Science is on our side, allowing us to make coal energy into clean energy."

More details about the lawsuit are available on the Nebraska Attorney General's website at https://ago.nebraska.gov/news/attorney-general-mike-hilgers-initiates-legal-action-against-oppd-proposed-changes.