Nebraska’s Role in Achieving Energy Independence

From our pioneer founders to today’s farmers and ranchers, Nebraskans have always been problem solvers, innovators, and out-of-the-box thinkers who know how to get the job done. Up before dawn and home long after dusk, Nebraskans are known for our strong work ethic and willingness to tackle tough challenges. That is exactly what makes us well-positioned to help meet our nation’s growing energy needs and advance American energy independence.

A key step in achieving American energy independence is diversifying our supply of crucial agricultural inputs like fertilizer. Problem solvers look at a challenge and start building the answer, and that is what is happening right here in the Good Life.

During a recent visit to North Platte, Vice President JD Vance announced the creation of the USDA’s Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program. This program aims to strengthen our domestic supply by providing competitive cost-share grants to expand independent manufacturing capacity and lower costs for U.S. farmers. 

Eight projects, representing a combined $1.3 billion investment in domestic fertilizer manufacturing were selected, including two planned TalusAg facilities in Nebraska, one of which will be located in Superior. These projects position Nebraska to play an important role in strengthening domestic fertilizer production and reducing our reliance on foreign suppliers.

And earlier this month, Project Meadowlark, a more than $1 billion domestic fertilizer complex in Gothenburg, was added to the federal FAST-41 Transparency Dashboard, an online government tracking tool that monitors federal environmental reviews, permits, and authorization timelines for major projects like Meadowlark. This designation will bring more visibility and predictability to the permitting process, keeping Nebraskans informed as this important project moves forward.

At the end of the day, securing reliable inputs is only one part of the energy independence puzzle. Reducing our reliance on foreign sources also means producing more of our own fuel, and expanding access to nationwide, year-round E15 is a critical step toward that goal. Every gallon of ethanol blended into our liquid fuel supply is energy that is grown by American farmers, produced by American workers, and delivers relief at the pump for American families.

In May, the House passed my bill to make nationwide, year-round E15 permanent. This bill is now in the Senate, where I’ll continue working with my Senate colleagues to get it across the finish line.

Unleashing American energy is about more than lowering costs. It is about securing our future. By increasing domestic production of fertilizer, cutting red tape for projects like Meadowlark, and making nationwide, year-round E15 a reality, we are building a stronger, more energy-independent nation. Nebraska has an important role to play in these efforts, and I will continue working to ensure our farmers, producers, and communities are a part of that progress.