Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy

01/07/2025

It’s official! We are now the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment! The DWEE has been created by merging the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and NDEE.

With this change, we will no longer be updating this social media account. To keep up with DWEE, follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/nebraskadwee. We’re also on Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn!

Thank you to everyone who has followed us over the years! We’re excited about what this new chapter brings and the news, announcements, environment and energy tips, and information we can bring to you through the new agency!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nebraskadwee
X: https://x.com/NebraskaDWEE
Threads: https://www.threads.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nebraskadwee/

30/06/2025

The June edition of the Nebraska Energy Quarterly is now available!https://dee.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/publications/June%202025%20Nebraska%20Energy%20Quarterly.pdf

This edition covers:
• The merge between the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and NDEE
• The application period for NDEE’s 2024 Clean Diesel Rebate Program
• Recent Weatherization training and energy audit tools
• Energy statistics
• Energy tips to reduce hot water use

To subscribe, follow the instructions on our website: https://dee.nebraska.gov/state-energy-information/energy-quarterly-newsletter/ndee-energy-news-listserv-instructions

30/06/2025

NDEE has updated its schedule of professional development hours (PDH) for onsite professionals! https://dee.nebraska.gov/water-quality/wastewater/onsite-wastewater-program/professional-certification/current-ndee-onsite-approved-professional-development-hours

We’ve added training events for August, September, October, November, and December. Sign up to get your PDH!

27/06/2025

The summer rec season is well underway, and NDEE and our partners have been hard at work sampling public beaches for harmful algal blooms (HABs) and E. coli bacteria.

When a lake samples above 8 parts per billion (ppb) of microcystin (a toxin produced by HABs), the state issues a health alert, and the lake’s swimming beaches are closed until microcystin levels fall below the 8 ppb threshold.

Samples are collected early in the week and results are issued by Fridays so potential lake-goers can plan their trips accordingly.

The state does not issue advisories for E. coli because bacteria values can change quickly. Sampling data is provided so the public can make their own decision about whether to use the lake. E. coli samples above 235 colonies per 100 ml of water are considered high.

You can keep an eye on your favorite lake on NDEE’s website: https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/. This page contains sample data, a link to our new interactive Beach Watch map, and instructions to sign up for our Beach Watch listserv, so you can get weekly lake updates right to your inbox!

26/06/2025

We’re gearing up for more hot weather! Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Energy that you can use to increase energy savings this summer while keeping your home cooler:

• Use window blinds or shades on your windows to prevent heat gain during the day
• Keep your home warmer than normal when you’re away and lower the thermostat when you return home – be sure not to set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn it on! It won’t cool your home faster and it’s more expensive
• Turn off your ceiling fan when leaving a room – fans cool people by creating a wind chill effect, and do not cool a room
• Use your bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from your home when you take a shower or bath
• Make sure your air intake vents are not blocked by furniture or dust

25/06/2025

ICYMI – Platte Center is updating its wellhead protection plan!

NDEE’s Wellhead Protection Program is a voluntary program that assists communities in preventing contamination of their water supplies. NDEE provides funds to help participating communities determine their wellhead protection area, find potential sources of contaminants, and plan to manage those potential contaminants. The program also assists in contingency planning and public education so residents can learn more about their community’s wellhead protection plan.

Platte County Officials and Lower Platte North NRD will host an open house at 7 p.m., August 12, at the Platte Center Village Hall to discuss the plan updates.

PLATTE CENTER — Platte Center is updating its wellhead protection plan.

24/06/2025

Welcome to ! Did you know recycling can save energy?

Making new products out of virgin materials uses energy to extract and process those materials, according to the EPA. When we use recycled materials, there’s no need to extract and process new materials, so we save energy!

The EPA has the individual Waste Reduction Model tool that you can use to calculate how much energy you save by recycling aluminum cans, glass, and other materials and shows how those savings could power different electrical appliances: https://www.epa.gov/waste-reduction-model/individual-waste-reduction-model-iwarm-tool

23/06/2025

NDEE is currently conducting a waste characterization study!

This study focuses on a selection of small and large and urban and rural landfills across the state throughout the four seasons to identify what gets thrown away in Nebraska. Information learned from this study can be used to better manage waste streams and find additional recycling opportunities.

You can learn more about the study, as well as how it’s conducted (sorting by hand!) in our recent All About NDEE: https://dee.nebraska.gov/news-events/press-releases/all-about-ndee-swifr-waste-characterization-study

Funding for the waste study came from a $612,000 Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

20/06/2025

Our Fish Tissue Advisory webpage has been updated!

Some contaminants like mercury and PCBs can build up in fish tissue. That is why NDEE’s surface water monitoring team collects fish samples from numerous streams and lakes across Nebraska to determine if the fish are suitable for consumption.

When fish tissue samples are above established health criterion, the state issues a fish consumption advisory for the water body.

These advisories do not prohibit fish consumption for anglers. Instead, they provide awareness so fishers can make informed decisions about the fish they eat.

Check the advisory list before your next fishing adventure! https://dee.nebraska.gov/water/surface-water/fish-consumption-advisories

19/06/2025

In observance of Juneteenth, NDEE’s offices will be closed Thursday, June 19.

18/06/2025

As July 1 approaches, NDEE and our teammates at the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources are preparing to become the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE)!

As part of that effort, we are announcing the launch of the DWEE landing page! The page directs users to the resources available on NeDNR’s and NDEE’s legacy websites as the two agencies transition to a unified online presence.

Check it out! https://dwee.nebraska.gov/

18/06/2025

We’re hiring!

NDEE is hiring for a Deputy Director position, and has jobs available in our Air Construction Permits, Environmental Safety, Drinking Water and Accounting sections! See the full job descriptions here: https://tinyurl.com/bdhv3ayx