Pillen Pursues Merger: Appoints New Interim Director for Natural Resources to Drive Environment and Energy Initiatives

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources has found a new leader. Jesse Bradley, the interim director, has also been appointed to head the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. This is part of Governor Jim Pillen’s vision to merge the two agencies into one, creating the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.

Bradley’s appointment comes after a series of interim leaders since Jim Macy retired in April 2024. He has held the interim DNR director position since August and previously served in 2020. This new role will see him overseeing a broader range of responsibilities as both departments aim to work more closely on water and environmental issues.

The governor has proposed forming a special task force to focus on water quality and quantity. This task force would ensure the important work of the DNR continues under the new structure. A “chief water officer” would likely oversee these efforts.

To make this merger happen, legislative approval is necessary. Legislative Bill 317, introduced at the governor’s request by State Senator Tom Brandt, aims to merge the two departments starting on July 1. The bill does not have a cost estimate yet but has sparked discussions in the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee, which Brandt chairs.

Governor Pillen emphasized the importance of effective water management for Nebraska’s future, stating that progress is necessary for the next seven generations. He believes Bradley’s extensive experience uniquely qualifies him for this joint role, allowing him to connect local needs with state and federal regulations.

Bradley joined the DNR back in 2006, initially as an integrated water management analyst. He later became head of the Water Planning Division and then deputy director. With degrees in environmental geology and hydrogeology, he is also a licensed professional geologist in Nebraska.

The planned merger would remove the need for the Environmental Quality Council to suggest candidates for the new director position. However, the governor stated he would still seek input from this group as the process moves forward.

A new director will need to have a strong background in air, water, and land pollution control. Pillen highlighted Bradley’s involvement with the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act, which aims to protect Nebraska’s water resources through incentives for farmers to adopt innovative practices.

State Senator Tom Brandt has praised Bradley’s knowledge and relationships with local natural resource districts, expressing confidence in his ability to lead effectively.