10/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2025 11:28
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Gov. Pillen Applauds Lawsuit Aimed at Ending Coal Energy Generation at OPPD North Station
LINCOLN, NE - Governor Jim Pillen is applauding the important action announced today by Attorney General Mike Hilgers - a lawsuit that aims to stop the closure of coal energy generation at Omaha Public Power District's (OPPD) North Omaha Station. Filing this lawsuit comes at a pivotal time for preserving and expanding energy production - not only in Nebraska, but across the United States.
"It's foolish for any power district to turn away from the single most affordable means of energy production known to mankind," said Gov. Pillen. "Nebraska is blessed to have readily available coal reserves in Wyoming and the railroad infrastructure to get it here."
Gov. Pillen emphasized that energy security is key to national security.
"Foreign adversaries have sped up their own coal production, most notably China and Russia. It is unfathomable why we would take any action that would slow or stop our own expansion of coal-driven energy."
Gov. Pillen has worked hard on multiple fronts to preserve, protect and expand coal infrastructure in the state, as a means of ensuring cost-efficient available energy to Nebraskans. He said the lawsuit filed on behalf of the state by AG Hilgers represents a tremendous step toward furthering those goals.
"Today's coal production does not carry the same emission risks that it did in the past. The scrubbing technology that is used today is very efficient and very effective in removing pollutants. Science is on our side, allowing us to make coal energy into clean energy."
Additional information about the lawsuit can be found at: https://ago.nebraska.gov/news/attorney-general-mike-hilgers-initiates-legal-action-against-oppd-proposed-changes