Controversy Surrounds Awarding of No-Bid Contract for Nitrate Sensors in Nebraska
In the months leading up to a controversial no-bid contract, Julie Bushell engaged with lawmakers to allocate funds for real-time nitrate sensors, similar to those made by her Lincoln-based company, Ethos Connected. The sensors aimed to help farmers monitor nitrate levels, potentially reducing fertilizer use and limiting nitrate contamination in drinking water.
However, state scientists expressed skepticism. Jim Macy, then the director of Nebraska’s Department of Environment and Energy, communicated concerns to Governor Pillen’s chief of staff. In a memo, Macy cautioned against relying on unproven technologies, stating, “None of my scientific team can point to any proven current technology that meets a basic benchmark.”
Senator Eliot Bostar, a Democrat from Lincoln advocating for the funding, noted he was not informed of Macy’s memo. “I have no recollection of it,” he stated. Despite these reservations, the state allocated funds for the sensors by June. Macy had resigned, and a deputy director arranged meetings with Bushell to discuss the use of program funds, according to emails obtained by Flatwater.
By September, questions arose regarding Bushell’s involvement in department meetings concerning a $307 million federal grant. Despite claims from Pillen’s office that Bushell was instrumental in securing the grant from the EPA, Valentine, who managed the grant application, was unclear about Bushell’s contributions. Notably, the grant application preceded Bushell’s contract with the state.
Valentine recalled a policy adviser emphasizing that Bushell represented the governor. “But then Julie disappeared just as quickly as she arrived,” Valentine remarked. The state terminated Bushell’s contract in February 2025, a month after an audit began investigating the deal. Pillen’s office attributed the contract termination to President Donald Trump’s return, suggesting Pillen now had direct White House access, eliminating the need for Bushell’s firm. Bushell later sold her Lincoln home in July.
Bushell opted against interviews but stated that her company did not receive state funds for the nitrate sensors, and the earmarked money was never spent. She emphasized that her efforts brought Nebraska a return on investment that “dwarfed other state contracts” and denied allegations of directing public funds to Ethos Connected. “Nebraska cannot build an innovation economy by attacking the very people who innovate,” she asserted.
Governor Pillen’s office refrained from providing interviews or answering specific inquiries. In a statement, a spokeswoman commented: “It’s political silly season, so this latest angle is no surprise.”
