Carson City, NV – The Nevada Legislature passed a bill today to reduce the energy and water waste of 13 common consumer and business products including water coolers, computer monitors, and home ventilating fans. The measure now heads to Governor Sisolak’s desk.
Assembly Bill 383 provides access to the most technologically advanced appliances while removing the least efficient, energy-guzzling, and water-wasting products from the market. In doing so, it saves tens of millions each year through lower utility electricity bills – all at a time when Nevada needs it the most.
Estimates by the Appliance Standards Awareness Project conclude that the bill will save Nevadans more than $29 million per year by 2035 and remove the carbon emissions equivalent of 28,000 cars from our roads.
“Energy efficiency is one of the most common-sense options to address climate change while saving money for our families and businesses,” said Assemblyman Howard Watts. “I am excited to see Nevada take the lead in establishing energy efficiency standards for appliances. We are setting an example for other states and the federal government to follow.”
The bill was supported by a diverse coalition of consumer, business, and environmental groups.
“We are encouraged to see lawmakers taking action on key policies in the Nevada Climate Strategy,” said Brian Fadie, State Policy Associate with the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP). “Appliance standards are one of our most effective tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for boosting public health by eliminating toxic air pollution.”
“The action taken by the State Legislature on appliance efficiency standards is a great victory for Nevada consumers and businesses. They will enjoy significant savings on their utility bills over time while helping to address climate change,” said Mel Hall-Crawford, Director of Energy Programs for the Consumer Federation of America.
“This bill is a win-win-win for Nevada consumers who want to save energy, save money, and protect the environment,” said Ellen Zuckerman, Co-Director of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). “Nevada needs more investments that pay for themselves, protect vulnerable populations, and preserve our precious natural resources like water. This legislation does just that.”
“The climate crisis coupled with the devastating pandemic calls on us to pass policy solutions that benefit the environment and protect consumers,” said Christi Cabera, Policy and Advocacy Director for Nevada Conservation League. “AB 383 does exactly that by improving our energy efficiency standards for appliances. This is estimated to eliminate more than 1 million tons of CO2 from our atmosphere and yield Nevadans cost savings of $29 million per year by 2035.”
“Nevada already has some of the nation’s strongest minimum efficiency standards for lighting. With the passage of AB 383, the Silver State will continue making progress, joining other states in setting wallet-friendly standards for commonly used appliances,” said Dylan Sullivan, Senior Scientist with the Climate & Clean Energy Program for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council).
“Energy efficient appliances don’t mean consumers lose any functionality. Energy efficient appliances mean consumers use less energy and thereby save money on their monthly electric bills,” said Matthew Casale with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG).
