Earlier this year, in a powerful show of grassroots advocacy, Audubon Great Plains successfully defended the Nebraska Environmental Trust, a voter-approved conservation funding source. Facing a serious threat from proposed legislation that would have diverted and cut 50% of the Trust’s funding, we collaborated with our partners, engaged policymakers and Audubon supporters across the state to protect the funding and integrity of this vital program.
Background
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen’s budget proposal (LB261) included a $15 million diversion from the Environmental Trust to cover programs that already receive state funding. Additionally, LB264 proposed a permanent change to the Trust’s funding structure, redirecting half of its resources to other state government programs. These proposals would have undermined the Trust’s ability to fund conservation projects that benefit people, wildlife, and ecosystems across Nebraska.
The Nebraska Environmental Trust was created because Nebraskans wanted to protect our natural resources for future generations. Funded by proceeds from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has supported hundreds of projects that restore grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and rivers. These projects not only improve habitat and water quality but also support local economies, create jobs, and provide recreational opportunities for all Nebraskans.
Importantly, the Trust plays a critical role in helping organizations leverage private and federal investment in conservation. Every dollar from the Trust often attracts additional funding from private donors, foundations, and federal conservation programs, multiplying its impact across the state. This matching power enables local communities and nonprofits to implement large-scale conservation efforts that would otherwise be out of reach.
A $15 million cut would have had devastating consequences. It would have jeopardized grant-funded projects that combat invasive species like Eastern Red Cedar trees and invasive carp, restore critical habitats, and reverse declining bird populations. It would have weakened Nebraska’s ability to match federal conservation dollars and respond to growing environmental challenges.
Recognizing the urgency, Audubon Great Plains not only engaged directly with policymakers and our partners, but we also launched an action alert to mobilize public support. As a result of our action alert, 278 Nebraskans took direct action, contacting their state senators to voice their opposition to the proposed cuts and diversions. These advocates sent a clear message that our environment is not negotiable, and the Trust must remain dedicated to conservation.
While our efforts played a role in protecting this funding, we will not rest on our laurels. We expect there will be new legislative threats to conservation funding in the 2026 Nebraska legislative session. We are planning meetings with key state senators to maintain their support. We are also hosting a conservation tour for key senators to show the benefits of the Nebraska Environmental Trust funding. In preparation for the session, we plan to implement grassroots engagement strategies and tactics that promote storytelling about the positive impact of the Trust, as well as build personal connections to key decisionmakers. When the legislative session convenes in January of 2026, we will be prepared to mobilize quickly, and advocate effectively to ensure the Nebraska Environmental Trust remains strong and impactful for generations to come.
