Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order on Data Centers

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order ending access to tax incentives provided through the state’s ImagiNE Nebreaska Act for data centers. Joined at the announcement by Senator Mike Jacobson, Director of Economic Development (DED) Maureen Larsen and Director Jesse Bradley of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE), the Governor said his order will allow the state to assess the benefits of such projects going forward, while also evaluating impacts to resources like land, water and electricity.  

“Early in my administration, I called for a pause in building new data centers, and this executive order is consistent with that call,” said Gov. Pillen. “Data centers are a booming industry. Major tech companies are pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into them. And while that presents significant economic opportunity, it also presents resource challenges.”

In addition to prohibiting data center applications from being approved under the ImagiNE Act, the order requires that DED, Revenue and DWEE work collaboratively when reviewing project proposals to determine if they are in the state’s best interest. It also requires the establishment of a data center task force through DWEE to ensure protection of the state’s natural resources.

Speaking about Nebraska’s unique water management system, Dir. Bradley said the task force will work with NRDs to ensure that policies and best practices are effective. Another aspect will be making sure that county officials have the necessary tools for zoning and other activities.

“I think this is just a great opportunity to educate and learn about all the great practices Nebraska has as a state but also examine those and make sure those practices are going to ensure that we have sustainable resources for the future,” added Bradley. “Building off of the work that was done on energy last session, I think this is a natural fit to now really examine the water side of things.”

Passage of LB1261 this year included ‘behind the meter’ legislation allowing massive industrial users to engage private entities in construction of their own power facilities, thereby protecting ratepayers from price hikes due to increased electrical demand. 

“This is not a moratorium on data centers,” said Gov. Pillen. “However, if a local entity chooses to engage in the development of a data center, it must now be developed in accordance with guidelines included in the executive order.”

Sen. Jacobson, who will be introducing legislation next year, said that providing tax incentives to data centers is not necessary at this point, given the amount of money the companies are able to generate on their own and that competition to entice them is not an issue.

"If a mega data center chooses to locate in Nebraska, our taxpayers and communities should receive the full benefit of that investment. Tax incentive programs should not return or waive the very revenue that could support our counties, cities, schools, and other political subdivisions,” said Sen. Jacobson. “We neither promote nor prohibit data centers. We ensure that if they locate here, the people of Nebraska benefit. I look forward to working with Governor Pillen and my colleagues next session on legislation that achieves that goal."

Dir. Larsen joined Gov. Pillen in acknowledging the role of data centers in the development of artificial intelligence and other technologies.

“As a matter of national security, it is absolutely critical for America to be a global leader in AI,” said the DED director. “And being at the forefront of AI will require building data centers in the U.S. At the same time, we must assess the impact of increased water and power demands on existing Nebraska businesses and communities. The Governor's executive order enables us to evaluate whether potential data center projects are truly in Nebraskans' best interests.”

“We need to make sure we have givers coming to Nebraska who want to make an incredible difference for democracy,” said Gov. Pillen. This executive order is simple – it’s a strategic and necessary step that will allow us to keep moving forward in this conversation with the right considerations and objectives in mind.”

Executive Order 26-17 can be found on the Governor's website here: Executive Order No. 26-17

Gov. Pillen speaks at data center news conference

Sen. Jacobson speaks at data center news conference

Gov. Pillen displays signed executive order 

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Order to Allow for Continued Delivery Of Hay and Supplies to Nebraska

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has reissued an executive order allowing for the continued delivery of hay and other supplies to areas of the state ravaged by wildfires. Those fires, and continued drought, have severely impacted the availability of livestock feed.

The order allows for the relaxation of service hours and over-dimension and weight restrictions for commercial motor carriers which assist in the transport of those items.

The order will be in effect through Aug. 12.

The executive order is included below. 

Executive Order 26-16 PDF

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Emergency Declaration Due to Corkscrew Road Fire

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued an emergency declaration in response to the Corkscrew Road Fire in Sioux County southwest of Crawford.

The wildfire, which began on July 10, was ignited by lightning and fueled by high winds, low humidity, and extremely dry conditions. The fire has burned nearly 30 acres and continues to threaten the health and safety of Nebraskans while damaging and threatening both public and private property.

The proclamation activates vital state resources and authorizes the use of the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help cover costs associated with responding to the fire and mitigating its impact.

Text version of the Proclamation for the Corkscrew Road Wildfire in Sioux County, Nebraska

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov Pillen Shares Appreciation for Freedom250 Fair Success

LINCOLN, NE –Governor Jim Pillen is thanking the many partners, sponsors, volunteers and staff who made Nebraska’s pavilion at the Great American State Fair a success. The fair, which concludes today, was a signature event of the national Freedom250 celebration.

“Due to their participation, thousands of visitors had the opportunity to learn about Nebraska's long history of innovation, culture, and economic leadership,” said Gov. Pillen. “Their dedication, enthusiasm, and hospitality made this event possible and ensured that every visitor experienced the very best of Nebraska.”

Gov. Pillen helped kick off the opening of the fair, and the state’s pavilion, on June 25. Several Nebraska businesses and organizations—including Tenaska, Werner Enterprises, Union Pacific, Boys Town, Valmont Industries, Nebraska Public Power District, the University of Nebraska, the Nebraska State Fair, and the Nebraska State Historical Society—played a key role by providing sponsorship support, volunteers, and exhibit displays for Nebraska's pavilion.

The Governor and First Lady Suzanne returned to D.C. again for the Fourth of July weekend to represent Nebraska at the pavilion and check out other state and U.S. territory pavilions along the National Mall. They also met with National Guard troops from Nebraska and Nevada, who have been assisting with security during the lead up to and through the Great American State Fair as well as other events in Washington, D.C.  Nebraska’s contingent of around 200 deployed personnel will be returning to the state shortly.

“It was a privilege to spend time with them and hear about their experiences,” said Gov. Pillen. “They’ve been serving in uniform during some of the hottest days this summer, assisting visitors and helping them to have a safe and enjoyable experience in our nation’s capital. We look forward to their return home.”

Between the events in Washington D.C. and those organized in Nebraska, Gov. Pillen said he was proud of how the state has stepped up to celebrate America’s birthday.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the White House and the Freedom250 organizers for making this event a reality.  While the Great American State Fair has ended, events will continue throughout the remainder of the year.”

Gov. Pillen greets visitors to Nebraska pavilion

Gov. Pillen greets visitors to talks to Nebraska pavilion

Gov. Pillen greets visitors to Nebraska pavilion 

Gov. Pillen visits with National Guard members in D.C.

Gov. Pillen visits with National Guard members in D.C.

Gov. Pillen & First Lady Suzanne pose with National Guard members in D.C.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Memo Directing Further Reductions in State Spending; Outlines Processes to Ensure Compliance

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is directing that state agencies, boards and commissions do their part in reducing state spending, to ensure that Nebraska taxpayers continue to receive the benefit of reduced income tax rates and investments into property tax relief. In fiscal year (FY) 2026, the State paid out $307 million more in refunds than was anticipated. That represents cash directed back into the pockets of Nebraskans, but efforts must continue to close the gap in state revenue.

“I am pleased with the progress we’ve made, but I am not satisfied,” said Gov. Pillen. “We must do better. We must run government like a business and embrace the innovation and change that is necessary to shrink the size of government. Bloated businesses don’t survive for long, and it’s our duty to make sure our State adapts and changes to stay competitive and resilient.”

In his memo, the Governor made clear that appropriations in the current fiscal year as well as the biennium years of FY 27/28 and FY28/29 would be reduced.   Agencies, boards and commissions have been ordered to exercise fiscal restraint in the areas of travel, hiring, membership dues, implementation of technology upgrades and equipment purchases. In addition, those entities are encouraged to consider additional avenues for budget savings like reduction of redundant processes and services, consolidation of duties and ensuring that programs are meeting their stated objectives for Nebraskans.

To ensure compliance, Gov. Pillen is requesting the submission of monthly reports beginning July 31 that detail, among other things, the amount of appropriation saved as a result each entity’s initiatives. The State Budget Division will be responsible for receiving and reviewing those reports, as well as providing final approval for newly created positions and hiring.  

A copy of the Governor’s memo is included below.

Text version of Memorandum for the Cabinet and Heads of all Agencies, Boards, and Commissions