The state has developed an incentive program to reduce the mortgage interest rate for homes built at or above 1995 MEC levels. The current energy code is referenced directly in legislation and can only be changed by the state legislature. Although the state code is mandatory statewide, local jurisdictions are not required to adopt or enforce it. In jurisdictions that have adopted a code, a plan review and inspection is required at the local level only if required by the local code authority. Plans for houses using incentive financing are reviewed and approved by the Nebraska Energy Office.
State agencies are responsible for code compliance in their new and remodeled buildings.
Currently, the energy code is not actively enforced at the state level. Required features in houses using incentive financing are inspected by lenders, with spot inspections by Nebraska Energy Office staff. The Nebraska Energy Office provides plan reviews and technical assistance to support agencies. Legislation was proposed in the winter of 1994-1995 to adopt the 1992 MEC statewide. The legislation did not pass and the code for general construction remains unchanged since 1984.