LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — Yesterday, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (WA) celebrated Nevada’s climate champions and addressed climate change at Nevada Conservation League’s annual Home Means Nevada awards dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
The gala celebrated the legislative and policy wins NCL has helped progress for our environment. It also recognizes exceptional state leaders who worked to better protect our climate, air, water, land, and health.
But both members of Congress and awardees noted that to continue to build a future that is healthy, equitable, and sustainable, more work must be done. Congresswoman Lee highlighted NCL’s electoral work ahead of the November 2024 election, saying we must elect Democratic climate leaders “up and down the ballot,” praising the work of Nevada state legislator Howard Watts III.
“In spite of the devastating impacts of climate change, Nevada is leading the way. We are at the top of the good list this time,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee at the gala. “We need to continue the great work we’ve done to address the impacts of climate change, protect our beautiful public lands, and finally ensure that Nevada continues to lead the way in our nation’s necessary transition from fossil fuels to more renewable energy.”
The gala highlighted NCL’s work on utility accountability and public lands protection, including working within a coalition to have Bahsahwahbee (locally known as Swamp Cedars) as a national monument as well as securing funding for the first time for the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant program.
NCL’s work on educating the public on how the Clean Energy Plan tax incentives can make transitioning to clean energy affordable for every Nevadan and our electoral work help grow local legislators who are climate champions and support federal leaders with a strong conservation track record.
“I gotta believe you guys are happy with Harris, right? They are out there shaping this debate, asking people if we’re going to move our country forward and whether we’re going to grow a middle class and whether we’re going to have an opportunity economy,” said Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell at the gala dinner. “I know Nevadans know what this is. One of the reasons Harry (Reid) and I worked hard together is that we wanted to diversify the Nevada economy to have a clean energy economy.”
The winners attended the Home Means Nevada 2024 Awards Dinner with Congresswoman Lee, Sen. Cantwell, and other conservation leaders.
This year, the organization awarded the following community leaders who share a vision for a better climate future:
- The Harry Reid Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an exemplary individual in Nevada’s conservation community who promotes all forms of environmental advocacy. It was awarded to long-time conservation advocate Rebecca Wagner, who has been at the forefront of clean energy policy in Nevada for 27 years. Wagner served as a Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy Director and a commissioner for the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.
- The Green Guardian Award recognizes those dedicated to increasing access to a healthier and cleaner environment for Nevadans. It was awarded to the Nevada Clean Energy Fund, a nonprofit organization created in 2017 by state legislation to serve as Nevada’s Green Bank, where it addresses clean energy market gaps and financial barriers, focusing on historically underserved communities.
- The Green Business of the Year Award recognizes locally based companies that prioritize environmental consciousness in their practices. Sol-Up, a full-service energy solution and conservation company that has been helping Nevadans transition to clean energy since 2009, received it.
More details and announcements about the event can be found here.
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The Nevada Conservation League is the independent voice of Nevada’s Conservation Community. We work to maintain and enhance the natural character of Nevada and the quality of life for Nevadans through effective advocacy, the election of pro-conservation candidates, and building collaboration.