Climate Politics and Policy in Nebraska

In a divided nation, could the Cornhusker State turn out to hold the balance of power?

When Nebraska’s in the national news, it’s usually because of its football team or its most prominent resident, Warren Buffett. Lately, however, it’s been featured in the national political news due to Trump’s unsuccessful effort to get the state to abandon its practice of giving one electoral vote to each congressional district. In a tight presidential race, Omaha’s one electoral vote could really matter. And now it’s getting some attention because of a Senate race.

In what has turned out to be an unusual Senate race, Republican incumbent Deb Fischer is facing Independent Dan Osborn.  Fischer has a lifetime score of 8% from the League of Conservation voters. Neither her Senate website nor her campaign website has an issues tab.  The campaign website touts her service on the Senate defense and agriculture committees, along with her support for broadband and road improvements. She’s strongly against electric vehicles, saying that “they’re underdeveloped and pose safety risks. And they create more problems than they solve, both at home and abroad.” Perhaps not coincidentally in this corn-producing state, Fischer’s an enthusiast for using ethanol to reduce emissions.

The Democrats aren’t funding a candidate in this race, so Osborn is also the de facto Democratic candidate. He’s an unusual candidate for Senate, with a background as an industrial mechanic and union leader.  I’ve had trouble finding statements on climate by Osborn. His campaign website focuses on other issues.  but at least according to a green group, he supports the transition to clean energy.  Some polls are showing this race to be unexpectedly tight.  Given the close battle for control of the Senate, an Osborn upset could have national significance.

Notwithstanding Fischer’s views, Nebraska hasn’t been a conservative bastion on climate and energy issues. It got some national attention a few years ago, when the state’s major public utilities all adopted zero emission goals.  In March, Nebraska submitted its first climate action plan.  The plan calls for a 30% emissions cut by 2030, with a particular focus on reducing agriculture-related emissions.

It’s hard to know the likelihood of a Fischer loss to Osborn.  Nebraska is unquestionably a Red State, so Osborn has an uphill battle. But surprises do happen now and then. After all, neighboring Kansas has a Democratic governor.

2024 elections, 2024 Senate elections, clean energy, Climate Politics, energy politics