LINCOLN- Nebraska is not going to join several states in enacting policies to penalize investment firms focused on climate change and environmental issues, despite the fact that Nebraska Treasurer John Murante heads one of the leading organizations, the State Financial Officers Foundation, doing just that.

The organization has been accused in the past of "weaponizing state treasurer's offices against efforts to reduce climate change," which includes adopting restrictive policies to punish companies that reduce their support for fossil fuels.

Murante declined to comment on whether or not Nebraska will follow the other states in restricting these businesses, but stated that his office will continue to make sure "Nebraska's best financial interests are met."

Since President Biden announced his climate plan, the Foundation has begun enacting these policies as a counter-effort to ensure that investments remain in fossil fuel businesses. Earlier this year, West Virginia passed a law allowing its Treasurer to blacklist banks from receiving state contracts if the bank pulled investments from fossil fuel companies. The Treasurer stated that the law "would help protect our coal, oil, and natural gas workers and companies from unfair, un-American boycotts."

State Sen. Matt Williams has confirmed that no such bills have been introduced in Nebraska, and doesn't believe that any will in future sessions. Williams also stated that he doesn't believe it's wise to put up "fences" around companies for supporting climate action.

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