Introduced in 2015, the Nebraska Livestock Matrix is a tool designed to help counties evaluate proposed livestock operations seeking conditional use or special exception permits. Created to promote consistency across county lines in the permitting process, the committee tasked with developing the matrix faced two significant challenges in aligning its objectives.
First, the tool needed to be user-friendly for agricultural producers applying for permits, while still ensuring accuracy in the assessment. From the outset, it was clear that simplicity and scientific rigor would be in tension. Striking this balance has proven difficult, as some argue the matrix is either too complex for the average user or too simplistic to provide meaningful analysis.
Second, the committee was charged with preserving local decision-making authority in each county while simultaneously fostering a standardized application process. To reconcile these goals, the matrix was released as a voluntary “template tool” that counties could adopt, modify, or reject entirely. While this approach upheld local autonomy, it also resulted in uneven adoption of the matrix, raising questions about whether it has fulfilled its purpose of bringing consistency to the permitting process.
Unfortunately, the reality has validated some of these concerns. Although the matrix has been beneficial in certain contexts, outreach to county officials reveals that its use has fallen short of expectations. After contacting all 93 Nebraska counties regarding their familiarity with and use of the matrix, we received 31 responses. Of those, just 10 reported incorporating the matrix into their permit review process. The remaining 21 counties, 68% of respondents, stated they do not use the matrix at all. Even more striking, 15 of the 31 respondents indicated they had never heard of the matrix to begin with.
These findings point to a fundamental shortcoming of LB 106 and the tool it established: a lack of adoption. While the matrix was designed to bring greater consistency and efficiency to Nebraska’s livestock permitting system, its voluntary nature has led to results that are as inconsistent as before. Despite its potential as a valuable regulatory tool, the limited awareness and usage of the matrix suggest that the system has seen little meaningful improvement.
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