State of Nebraska Archives: on Energy & Oil
Ben Sasse:
Shale oil revolution could create energy independence
Sasse makes a point concerning the need to create jobs in America that will also lead to America's freedom from dependency on foreign oil. "The shale oil revolution that we sit on the front cusp of could create genuine energy independence for
North America. It could reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
It could create, with different estimates, about 3 million jobs, and be done in an environmentally safe way, but we aren't even having discussions about how to do it in an environmentally safe way because the EPA on their own just gets to try to shut off
access to certain parts of shale. I think those are the kinds of discussions that the people of Nebraska want to have," Sasse said.
Source: Western Nebraska Observer on 2014 Nebraska Senate race
Dec 5, 2013
Ben Sasse:
Stop Obama's war on coal; stop picking winners & losers
On energy, Domina advocated for abolishing federal subsidies for fossil fuels and redirecting them to renewable energy. He supported the EPA's proposed new regulations to crack down on coal-fired power plants. "Science is real, and the impact that fossil
fuels are having on our environment are real," he said.Sasse decried the Obama administration's "war on industries like coal": "The Obama administration doesn't have an all of the above strategy--they have a Solyndra Strategy," Sasse said, referring
to a California solar company that went bankrupt despite $529 million in government subsidies.
Domina represents Nebraska landowners fighting the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline that would cross the state; Sasse supports the pipeline and the
development of more North American oil and natural gas. Sasse also supports renewable energy, ethanol, clean nuclear power and wind energy "but not an administration that tries to pick winners and losers."
Source: WatchDog.org on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Carol Blood:
It's time for timely action, not just words
On the environment, she said it is important for Nebraska to be responsive to issues, and not drag them out. This ultimately hurts residents and the land where they live. "We can do better in all of these areas,"
she said. "We've not seen our current executive branch championing these issues with anything but words. It's time for timely action."
Source: The Gateway (UNO) on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Sep 23, 2021
Chris Janicek:
Clean energy must be invested in to avert carbon emissions
We must respect and work to solve climate change and environmental challenges to our world. New clean energy like wind, solar, geo-thermal, hydro and nuclear must be invested in to avert carbon emissions, and the destruction of our planet.
Government has to start working again. We want a democracy to live in and a planet to live on.
Source: KOLN/KGIN 1011-NOW on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Apr 23, 2020
Chris Janicek:
We want a planet to live on and a democracy to live in
Climate change is real and must be addressed. Investments in clean energy will create jobs, reduce our energy cost and reduce carbon emissions.
Wind energy, solar, geo-thermal, hydro, and nuclear are all solutions that Congress must work on to combat climate change. In the end we want a planet to live on and a democracy to live in.
Source: Lincoln Journal-Star on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Apr 16, 2020
Dave Domina:
Impact of fossil fuels on our environment is real
On energy, Domina advocated for abolishing federal subsidies for fossil fuels and redirecting them to renewable energy. He supported the EPA's proposed new regulations to crack down on coal-fired power plants. "Science is real, and the impact that fossil
fuels are having on our environment are real," he said. "They will come raining down on all our heads, and especially yours, if we don't fix it immediately."Sasse decried the Obama adminstration's "war on industries like coal": "The
Obama administration doesn't have an all of the above strategy--they have a Solyndra Strategy."
Domina represents Nebraska landowners fighting the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline that would cross the state; Sasse supports the pipeline and the
development of more North American oil and natural gas. Sasse also supports renewable energy, ethanol, clean nuclear power and wind energy "but not an administration that tries to pick winners and losers."
Source: WatchDog.org on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Dave Heineman:
Support pipeline but not at expense of environment
For months, Nebraskans have been clear about our position on the pipeline--we support the pipeline. However, we're opposed to a route through the environmentally sensitive Sand Hills.
Through our persistence and determination, the State Department heard our concerns. Additionally, TransCanada has heard our concerns and has voluntarily agreed to change the route.
Source: 2011 Nebraska gubernatorial press release, "Pipeline"
Nov 15, 2011
Jane Raybould:
Revoke tax breaks for oil & gas companies to pay for roads
Deb Fischer and Jane Raybould agreed on the need to build and maintain highways, roads, bridges, railroads, and more. But the candidates disagreed on appropriate levels of federal funding and on how Congress should boost or replace those funds.
Fischer pointed to her bill to use $21.4 billion from the $46 billion in fees Customs and Border Patrol collects over five years from freight and passengers entering the country. "I don't think increasing the gas tax is sustainable," Fischer said.
Raybould said she would seek to roll back some of the tax breaks oil and drug companies received in the Republican tax cut bill. Revoking breaks for 17 oil & gas companies alone could generate $25 billion, she said. The tax law's corporate & individual
income tax breaks for companies and people not paying their fair share should be repealed, she said, and that would stabilize federal funding. "Nebraskans certainly can't afford any further increases in state or local property taxes," Raybould said.
Source: Omaha World-Herald on 2018 Nebraska Senate race
Aug 26, 2018
Jon Bruning:
Coal is good, cheap energy
Deb Fischer questioned whether Bruning should have accepted $100,000 in campaign contributions from out-of-state coal companies. She questioned whether the donations were appropriate, especially since Bruning had joined a lawsuit against the
EPA on the behalf of coal companies. "Yes or no? Will you stop taking contributions from industries that could benefit from your position as chief law enforcement officer of Nebraska?" asked Fischer.
Bruning declined to directly answer, although he stood firm in his support of coal, calling it "good, cheap energy." He also stood by his decision to join a lawsuit against the EPA, saying coal companies were being unfairly regulated by the
Obama administration. "Rick Perry didn't say a lot of things during his presidential run, but he did say one thing, 'We're the Saudi Arabia of coal,'" said Bruning.
Source: Omaha World-Herald on 2012 Nebraska Senate debate
Apr 12, 2012
Mike Flood:
Fight the farm-killing Green New Deal
Nebraska ag producers are the best at what they do, and their efforts fuel our state's economy and feed the world. In Congress,
I'll have their backs, working to expand free, fair trade, support family farming and ranching, oppose anti-competitive behavior in meatpacking, and fight the farm-killing Green New Deal.
I'll also work to keep America's commitment to our farmers with the Renewable Fuel Standard.- Paved the way for state approval of the
Keystone XL pipeline, helping secure America's energy future and defeating the left-wing, environmentalist radicals who fought to stop it in the Legislature
Source: 2022 NE-1 House campaign website MikeFloodForNebraska.com
Jul 19, 2022
Mike Flood:
All of the above: ethanol, coal, and natural gas
The Biden administration's policies have predictably resulted in lost jobs and massive price increases at the pump. We must support energy exploration and the use of reliable, affordable energy sources like ethanol, coal, and natural gas.
Only an all-of-the-above approach will ensure Americans secure access to affordable energy for our vehicles, homes, and businesses. I oppose the Green New Deal, mileage taxes, carbon taxes, and any other radical effort to shackle our economy.
Source: 2022 NE-1 House campaign website MikeFloodForNebraska.com
Jul 19, 2022
Mike Johanns:
New corn genetics brings 40% yield increase & more ethanol
Johanns claimed Kleeb was quoted as saying that "corn based ethanol will not be a part of our future." Johanns noted that new breakthroughs in corn genetics will soon bring a 40% increase in the yield of dryland corn, making corn-based ethanol even more
viable.Kleeb claimed he was misquoted and has "always been a supporter of ethanol." However, he believes the country also needs to develop other "green" energy solutions, such as solar, wind and other technologies such as cellulosic ethanol production
Source: 2008 Nebraska Senate debate reported on DomesticFuel.com
Aug 24, 2008
Mike Johanns:
Opposes Warner-Lieberman Climate Security Act
Republican Mike Johanns, Democrat Scott Kleeb and Green Party candidate Steve Larrick all discussed the important issues of energy, climate change and renewable fuels - although most of the sparks flew between
Johanns and Kleeb. The biggest clash between the two came over the proposed Warner-Lieberman Climate Security Act, which Johanns opposes and Kleeb supports.
Source: 2008 Nebraska Senate debate reported on DomesticFuel.com
Aug 24, 2008
Peter Ricketts:
Don't reduce the ethanol Renewable Fuels Standard
Biofuels are a critical part of Nebraska's economy, adding income for farmers, creating jobs, and boosting energy independence. My plan for growing agricultural opportunity in Nebraska calls for a renewed emphasis on value-added production.
Ethanol tops the list, as it adds value to Nebraska corn and is converted to fuel and efficient livestock feed. As governor, it will be my goal to challenge Iowa to become the top ethanol producer in the nation.
I support the Renewable Fuels Standard and oppose federal attempts to reduce it. I will also seek to expand new markets for ethanol, such as encouraging higher blend levels, locally and across the nation.
Now essential to the rural economy, the future of biofuels holds great promise. I am excited to help the industry grow in the state.
Source: 2014 Nebraska Governor campaign website, PeteRicketts.com
Nov 4, 2014
Rick Berg:
AdWatch: Support oil exploration and coal mining
Political organizations such as American Crossroads (Republican) and Majority PAC (Democratic) have spent more than $3 million on advertising in the North Dakota race. That's close to $6 for every North Dakotan of voting age. The state's last competitive
Senate race was in 1986. Berg and Heitkamp are on pace to wage the most expensive Senate election in North Dakota history. Much of the money is being channeled into television spots. In most ads, Heitkamp is hammered as a stooge for President Barack
Obama and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who are portrayed as enemies of oil exploration and coal mining, which are significant industries in North Dakota.
Anti-Berg ads accuse him of wanting to cut spending on
Medicare and farm subsidies, and claim that Berg has "gone Washington," a gibe the incumbent Republican congressman himself used against Earl Pomeroy in 2010.
Source: Austin Stateman on 2012 Nebraska Senate debate ad review
Sep 15, 2012
Scott Kleeb:
Release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Scott Kleeb understands that we can't wait for long-term solutions to lower gas prices. In addition to cracking down on speculation, which should immediately have an effect on oil prices, Scott has called for:Releasing oil from the Strategic
Petroleum Reserve. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve holds 700 million barrels of oil to be released in case of an energy crisis. Scott Kleeb believes we are in such a crisis and supports selling 70 million barrels of valuable light, sweet crude from the
reserve over six months and replacing that oil with less valuable heavy crude. This additional 400,000 barrels per day of oil supply will drive down gas prices but would still maintain our energy security in case of a supply disruption.
The plan could also generate up to $840 million in revenues.Increasing funding for LIHEAP, so that the millions of Americans who will face soaring energy costs this winter can have the financial help they need.
Source: Campaign booklet, Nebraska's Brand of Change, p. 9
Aug 19, 2008
Scott Kleeb:
Always a supporter of ethanol; along with solar & wind
Johanns claimed Kleeb was quoted as saying that "corn based ethanol will not be a part of our future." Johanns noted that new breakthroughs in corn genetics will soon bring a 40% increase in the yield of dryland corn, making corn-based ethanol even more
viable.Kleeb claimed he was misquoted and has "always been a supporter of ethanol." However, he believes the country also needs to develop other "green" energy solutions, such as solar, wind and other technologies such as cellulosic ethanol production
Source: [Xref Johanns] 2008 Nebraska Senate debate
Aug 24, 2008
Scott Kleeb:
Supports Warner-Lieberman Climate Security Act
Republican Mike Johanns, Democrat Scott Kleeb and Green Party candidate Steve Larrick all discussed the important issues of energy, climate change and renewable fuels - although most of the sparks flew between
Johanns and Kleeb. The biggest clash between the two came over the proposed Warner-Lieberman Climate Security Act, which Johanns opposes and Kleeb supports.
Source: [Xref Johanns] 2008 Nebraska Senate debate
Aug 24, 2008
Shane Osborn:
No subsidies for wind and solar
Question topic: Governments should pay to develop wind and solar energy solutions when these are not economically feasible.
Osborn: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Nebraska Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Steven Larrick:
We need a renewable energy policy
I think it is time that we redirect our nation's energy to a renewable energy policy, Larrick said.
Source: 2008 Nebraska Senate debate reported in Lincoln News
Aug 24, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Green energy is the future of Nebraska
Green party candidate Steve Larrick continued to stress the importance of one issue in particular. "I think green energy is the future of Nebraska. I think renewable energy creates a great net gain
of energy and that's what we have in wind and solar. We needed to have been investing in those technologies," he said.
Source: 2008 Nebraska Senate debate reported in Lincoln News
Aug 24, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Only candidate to oppose drilling in ANWR
Larrick emphasized the peace and energy goals of his party, saying he was the only candidate to oppose drilling for oil in the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Source: 2008 Nebraska Senate debate reported in Omaha World-Herald
Sep 16, 2008
Steven Larrick:
More ethanol; more emission controls; more alternative fuels
Larrick supports the following principles regarding Energy Issues:- Strengthen emission controls.
- Strengthen fuel efficiency standards.
- Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels.
- Support the use of ethanol as an alternativ
fuel.
- Support international mandatory or voluntary emission targets to limit global warming.
- Larrick adds, "We need to bring down the cap on corn-based ethanol production and increase cellulosic development."
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Peter Ricketts:
Pipeline accidents are terrible but we can't take zero risk
When it comes to how do you transport the things we need, like energy and oil, there's no safe way to do within pipelines. While there are going to be accidents --and those are terrible--they need to be cleaned up and addressed right away.
If you look at it compared to other forms of transportation, this is less risky. So, there are going to be accidents. We need to have plans in place to respond to them. We can't shut down society because we're willing to take zero risk.
Source: Nebraska Public Media on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Jan 12, 2023
Preston Love:
Tell the truth about climate change and respond to it
I am very concerned about environmental evolution going the wrong way as it relates to our toxic air and toxic waters.
I surely am an advocate of folks telling the truth about climate change and responding to it.
Source: KLIN News/Talk 1400AM/99.3FM on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Jan 23, 2024
Dan Osborn:
Solar energy ok, if on private land
Climate Change: A top priority?- Deb Fischer (R): Mostly no. EVs are being "force[d]" on the public. Supports ending tax credits for EVs. Opposed a $369 billion climate initiative. Supported making it easier for farmers
to enter carbon credit markets.
- Dan Osborn (I): Unclear. Supports landowners leasing their land for solar energy: "If you own a piece of land, you should be able to do whatever the hell you want on that land."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Oct 9, 2024
Deb Fischer:
Don't force EVs on the public; end EV tax credits
Climate Change: A top priority?- Deb Fischer (R): Mostly no. EVs are being "force[d]" on the public. Supports ending tax credits for EVs. Opposed a $369 billion climate initiative. Supported making it easier for farmers
to enter carbon credit markets.
- Dan Osborn (I): Unclear. Supports landowners leasing their land for solar energy: "If you own a piece of land, you should be able to do whatever the hell you want on that land."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Oct 9, 2024
Jim Pillen:
We're capturing carbon from ethanol plants
The annual event has become an opportunity for Gov. Jim Pillen to highlight what the state is doing to help promote its bioeconomy, which includes ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel and plant-based plastics. "We've made extraordinary things
happen in the last three years by being able to do what no one else in the United States of America has been able to do, capturing carbon from the ethanol plants," Pillen said.
Source: NE Public Media (PBS News) on 2026 Nebraska Governor race
Aug 14, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026