English (United States)
We manage the District's operations in ways that protect the public, wildlife, and the environment. All our power plants meet current environmental regulatory limits and standards for emissions. Members of our environmental team continuously test and monitor air, water and soil at our facilities across the state to be certain the air and water is clean. We pledge to comply with federal and state environmental regulations, and we embrace that responsibility. We invest in the environment because we want to assure a good quality of life for Nebraskans, now, and for future generations. We are Nebraskans serving Nebraskans. We are dedicated to protecting the environment and the quality of life our customers have grown accustomed to.
Knowing environmental stewardship is part of a big, complex "world view," we consult often with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to ensure "best practices." We team with them to rescue stranded fish from canals in a variety of locations.
As a rule, we work hard to plan construction of power lines during non-breeding season for nesting birds to protect eggs and chicks. We survey the area for least terns, piping plovers, and American bald eagles so as not to disturb breeding or roosting. We monitor and survey for endangered migrating whooping cranes, and place bird diverters on our power lines in key locations. We evaluate migratory bird flight patterns, wetlands, and threatened or endangered species of insects or plants.
We have a deep and long-standing respect for the natural environment. However, this must be balanced with the constant threat to our customers' electric service because trees and tree branches are the most frequent causes of power outages.
Trees and vegetation adjacent to transmission (high-voltage lines) system right-of-ways must be kept pruned and clear of the power lines. This helps us provide our customers with a safe and reliable supply of electricity. For more information, view our Transmission Right-of-Way Vegetation Management brochure.
Before planting trees and shrubs near our distribution (lower voltage lines from poles to your homes or business), clarify what you want so you can plant the right tree in the right place. Refer to our Services Rules & Regulations to understand NPPD and customer tree trimming obligations. Our Energy Landscaping booklet and Tree Planting, Pruning, and Removal Near Overhead Power Lines are good landscape planning tools. But before you grab that shovel to plant a tree, dial 811, the toll-free number of Nebraska811.
The Tree Line USA program recognizes electric utilities that demonstrate practices that protect and enhance America’s rural and urban trees. NPPD’s membership in the Tree Line USA program, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, provides an avenue to help promote the safety and reliability of power lines through public education programs about the proper planting of trees and vegetation.
Since 2006, we have been recognized as a member of the Arbor Day's Tree Line USA program for meeting the organization’s standards including training employees in quality tree care and educating the public on tree planting for energy conservation and appropriate planting near power lines.
We believe all resource-conscious activities are important, whether large or small. Beside the potential for payback in dollars for market value of recyclable materials, recycling creates employment opportunities, extends the life of landfills, saves energy and resources, and reduces taxes. The image (below) shows our recycling efforts in 2023.
