The Nebraska Unicameral’s Natural Resources Committee took testimony Wednesday on LB 504, calling for a two year moratorium on wind development in 13 counties in the Sand Hills area of the state. Both the Nebraska Farmers Union and Chamber of Commerce testified against the measure brought by Senator Tom Brewer. Farmers Union President John Hansen says one of the major problems with the bill is that it takes away local control.

He says Brewer’s bill is also an assault on private property rights.

Hansen says if a two year moratorium is placed on wind energy projects, then developers will be hampered in using the wind production tax credit.

The Committee heard testimony but took no action on the legislation.