Gov. Ricketts Signs Legislation to Encourage Rural Development & Promote Ethanol Sales

Media Contacts:  

Alex Reuss, 402-471-1970

Justin Pinkerman, 402-471-1967

 

Media Release:

Gov. Ricketts Signs Legislation to Encourage Rural Development & Promote Ethanol Sales

 

 

Gov. Ricketts (holding bill), State Senators, agricultural leaders,

and renewable fuels advocates celebrate the signing of LB 1261e.

 

Video from today’s bill signing is available by clicking here.

 

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts signed LB 1261e during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol.  LB 1261e extends the Nebraska Advantage Rural Development Act, which had been set to expire at the end of 2022.  The bill also expands the Nebraska Advantage Rural Development incentive program to provide ten times the amount of available tax credits annually for eligible investments in rural Nebraska. 

 

LB 1261e includes provisions from LB 596 to provide tax credits to fuel retailers selling E15 or higher blends of ethanol.  Retailers can apply to the Nebraska Department of Revenue for a credit of 5 cents on each gallon of E15 sold and 8 cents per gallon of E25 or higher blends sold.

 

“LB 1261e will help to grow Nebraska agriculture and attract investment in our rural communities,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “The bill also encourages fuel retailers to offer higher ethanol blends.  Increasing the use of ethanol saves drivers money at the pump, cleans up our environment, and creates opportunities for our farmers and ranchers.”

 

Senator Dave Murman of Glenvil introduced LB 1261e.  Senator Joni Albrecht of Thurston introduced LB 596, known as the Higher Blend Tax Credit Act.  Contents of Senator Albrecht’s bill were incorporated into LB 1261e.

 

Video from today’s bill signing ceremony is available by clicking here.