LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Nebraska lawmakers will continue to clash on whether the state or counties should set policies to help develop agriculture.
The Legislature sparred Tuesday over a measure that would create statewide standards for livestock producers trying to obtain permits.
Advocates say the bill encourages growth in the Nebraska’s top industry by simplifying the permit process for new or expanding operations. But opponents say a “state-down” approach discredits county boards’ knowledge of local community needs.
The original bill by Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier sparked a backlash from county zoning administrators because it would mandate county standards and create a board that could overturn county decisions.
Watermeier says he’s open to changes that would make the standards optional. Lawmakers will resume debate Wednesday.
