Neb. governor signs bill to attract wind projects

LINCOLN, Neb.

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has signed into law what public-power officials and wind-energy advocates are calling landmark legislation.

Signed on Monday, the bill from Sen. Chris Langemeier of Schuyler is designed to attract wind-energy companies that would export the energy from the state.

The American Wind Energy Association says Nebraska ranks fourth in the country for wind-energy potential, but 24th for actual production.

One reason is it's the only state where all electric customers are served by publicly owned utilities.

The bill eases concerns about public power's eminent-domain authority.