LINCOLN- Members of a watchdog group are labeling a letter penned by Gov. Jim Pillen to the Nebraska Environmental Trust Board as “unusual” and as “political interference.” Pillen gave final approval in August to an update of the rules and regulations that govern the Trust, which doles out about $20 million a year in grants to environmental, conservation and research groups. That approval came with a letter.

Pillen called on the Trust’s board to grant money for capital improvements and for projects that provide the biggest impact and “long-term public benefit.” The letter also urged the board — of which 12 of the 14 members are either appointed or hired by the governor — to avoid grants to “recurring entities” for operating expenses. “Providing long-term public access to and environmental benefits for these spaces should be the focus of awarding NET grant funding,” the letter stated.

The governor has control over most of those who sit on the board, the openly dictatorial nature of the letter was criticized by members of the watchdog group “Friends of the Environmental Trust.” The group, which has been critical of recent actions by the Trust, labeled the letter as “political interference” and “inappropriate” for a board that should objectively consider grant applications, both big and small.

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