Proposed Bill Could Have Huge Impact on Nebraska Irrigators

On Tuesday, Columbus State Senator Paul Schumacher introduced LB1022 known as the Irrigation Tax Act. The bill addresses to impose a one-cent annual tax for every 10 gallons of water pumped from a well with the capacity of producing 5,000 gallons of water per day would be created.

The bill also proposes that all agriculture and horticulture land will be valued as dry land. This is intended to remove the current valuation policy of assessing more value to irrigated acres. The bill has brought criticism from Nebraska farmers and several ag groups. LB1022 is expected to have a hearing in the legislature later this month or in early February.

We want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on Senator Schumacher’s imposed bill on irrigation and horticulture and agriculture lands being taxed by the gallon?