On Monday, Nevada lawmakers introduced two Nevada Conservation League priority bills aimed at lowering energy costs and expanding access to local clean energy: Assemblymember Howard Watts’ Solar-Powered Affordable Housing Bill (AB458) and Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May’s Fuel Cost Sharing Bill (AB452). These common-sense policies will remove barriers preventing people living in affordable housing from benefiting from solar energy and stop NV Energy from unfairly shifting volatile fuel prices onto Nevadans.
Nevada Conservation League, Chispa Nevada, and state legislators will discuss how these policies make life more affordable for our communities at Conservation Lobby Day, on March 25 at 10 a.m. in front of the Nevada State Legislature, 401 S. Carson Street.
Solar-Powered Affordable Housing Bill (AB458)
AB458, sponsored by Assemblymember Howard Watts, ensures that affordable housing residents can access the financial benefits of solar energy.
“I’ve worked with housing advocates, clean energy leaders, and community partners to craft a policy that makes financial sense and delivers real savings to Nevadans,” said Assemblymember Watts. “AB458 removes barriers that have locked renters out of rooftop solar for too long. Renters shouldn’t be denied lower energy bills just because of where they live. This bill makes sure families in affordable housing get the same benefits as homeowners while leveraging federal and private investments to create jobs and strengthen Nevada’s clean energy economy. With energy costs rising, we need policies that provide real relief — AB458 does exactly that.”
Currently, many affordable housing complexes in Nevada cannot install rooftop solar, leaving renters without access to the cost savings that solar energy can provide. AB458 removes this legal barrier, enabling all affordable housing properties to install solar and ensuring tenants see direct savings through lower electricity bills.
“AB458 ensures that families struggling with high energy bills can finally access one of Nevada’s greatest natural resources — solar energy,” said Christi Cabrera-Georgeson, Deputy Director for Nevada Conservation League. “This is a win-win, helping renters save money while expanding rooftop solar in our communities. It’s also widely popular, with 78% of Nevada voters supporting policies that allow solar power installations on apartments to lower electricity costs.”
“Every Nevadan should have the right to benefit from solar energy, regardless of whether they rent or own their home,” Julia Hubbard, Nevada Program Director for Solar United Neighbors, said. “This bill removes outdated restrictions and ensures that renters in affordable housing can access the cost-saving benefits of rooftop solar, just like homeowners.”
“Every child deserves to grow up in a home where their family can afford to keep the lights on,” Mary Wagner, Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force, said. “AB458 makes it possible for low-income families to access affordable, clean energy — cutting bills and reducing air pollution that harms children’s health.”
“Families across Nevada are struggling to pay rising utility bills and need urgent relief,” said Audrey Peral, Program Director for Chispa Nevada. “Latine families, in particular, are paying a higher share of our income for basic necessities like gas and electricity, compared to our peers. Our communities want to be able to access clean solar energy but often can’t afford it. Making solar energy accessible to families living in affordable housing is a good start to lower costs for our most vulnerable households.”
Fuel Cost Sharing Bill (AB452)
AB452, sponsored by Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May, stops NV Energy from shifting the full cost of fuel price increases onto customers.
“I’ve heard from countless constituents — and experienced it myself — how very high utility bills have become. Even as families cut back on their energy use, their bills kept climbing with no real way to control costs. That’s not fair for families in our community,” said Assemblymember Brown-May. “This bill ensures ratepayers aren’t left bearing 100% of fuel price spikes while the utility continues to profit. It’s about fairness, accountability, and giving families the relief they deserve.”
AB452 will help stabilize electricity rates, incentivize smarter energy decision-making, and curb corporate greed. This bill delivers much-needed financial relief to Nevada families and small businesses.
“NV Energy is protected from the financial risk of fuel and power purchase decisions it makes on behalf of customers, all while customers struggle to pay their bills and make ends meet,” said Christi Cabrera-Georgeson, Deputy Director for Nevada Conservation League. “Nevadans deserve better energy policies, not a system where every fuel price increase is automatically passed onto our families while shareholders rake in record profits.”
“Our communities deserve a future where families aren’t forced to suffer the consequences of unchecked corporate greed,” said Shaunda Johnson, Executive Director for Faith In Action Nevada. “This bill reins in unfair utility practices and moves us toward a more affordable and responsible energy system that puts Nevadans first.”
“The families my organization represents make hard budget decisions, often sacrificing comfort and safety to keep the lights on,” Dr. Mary House, CEO of CHR, Inc., said. “When are monopoly utilities going to do the same? It’s only fair that NV Energy is held responsible for fuel and purchase decisions that raise our bills. We’re tightening our belts to make ends meet, and they should, too.”
Nevada Lawmakers Must Put Nevadans First
Nevada lawmakers must focus on policies that lower energy bills, expand solar access, and strengthen clean energy investments. AB458 and AB452 offer practical solutions that put money back in Nevadans’ pockets, create jobs, and build a more affordable, reliable energy future. By advancing these bills, lawmakers can ensure that Nevada families, businesses, and communities benefit from cleaner, more cost-effective energy for years to come.
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The Nevada Conservation League is the independent voice of Nevada’s conservation community. NCL works 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.