CARSON CITY, NEVADA — Over 50 Nevadans joined state legislators, Chispa Nevada, and the Nevada Conservation League (NCL) to advocate for policies that lower energy costs, expand access to outdoor education opportunities, and protect our wildlife, public lands, and the outdoor recreation economy at Conservation Lobby Day, on Tuesday, March 25.
As more and more Nevadans are burdened with increasingly high energy bills, leaders in conservation and at the state legislature are working to create policies that hold utility monopolies accountable and make local, cheap, and clean energy accessible to all.
Nevadans came together to support policies like fuel cost sharing, which encourages NV Energy to make more responsible fuel purchasing decisions, and solar for affordable housing, which allows people to have access to energy from solar panels in affordable housing units — which are wildly popular across the political spectrum and help all Nevadans.
Every day people voiced their support for funding outdoor education opportunities for our children, wildlife crossings to help protect our majestic animals while preventing car accidents, and investing in the Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF), a homegrown organization that provides financial and technical assistance to help diversify our economy and fund affordable, local, and clean energy projects for the public.
“Conservation Lobby Day is an opportunity for us to stand united in our fight for clean water, clean air, a strong outdoor recreation economy, and affordable, local, and clean energy. It is a chance to celebrate our shared Western way of life and culture — one that centers the protection of our beautiful public lands and wildlife,” Kristee Watson, Executive Director of NCL, said. “As a mother myself, it hurts me to know the hard choices so many of my neighbors and their families are facing. And like so many mothers, I want a better future for my children — and all of Nevada’s children. I know that this is a hard fight. I’m feeling tired, beaten down, and angry, too. But I also know that the fight for a better future, a brighter, healthier, more prosperous future, is a worthy fight and one we will win together.”
“As someone who grew up as a tenant in a working-class family, I know how important it is to keep the cost of living affordable. Nevadans shouldn’t be denied lower energy bills just because they rent their homes. The Solar-Power Affordable Housing Bill (AB458) removes barriers that have locked renters out of rooftop solar for too long, helping them get the same cost-saving benefits as homeowners,” said Assemblymember Howard Watts III. “This common-sense policy change leverages federal and private investments to lower electricity bills while creating jobs and diversifying Nevada’s clean energy economy. With energy costs rising, people are demanding real relief — and this bill does exactly that.”
“It is our responsibility as elected officials to work towards a day where every Nevadan has a real chance for a healthy and prosperous life. That includes diversifying our state’s economy by supporting good-paying jobs in clean energy now. It also includes making sure our children have the education they need for jobs of the future. That’s why I sponsored the bill that created the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program (NOER) in 2019. NOER provides outdoor experiences for students across the state, including in rural communities,” said Steve Yeager, Assemblymember and Speaker of the Assembly. “I know the importance of spending time outside — it improves social-emotional learning and mental and physical health. It helps give our children the knowledge they need to join our booming outdoor recreation economy, which generates billions for Nevada and is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the state. We need to continue to support NOER (AB108) so every child — today, tomorrow, and ten decades from now can stand in awe of the great Nevada outdoors as its steward.”
“NCEF has a proven track record of delivering real results for Nevada families, businesses, local governments, and Tribes,” said Rochelle Nguyen, Senator and Chair of Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee. “In just a short time, they have helped secure hundreds of millions in funding to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and energy efficiency, and invest in workforce training. SB132 is a smart, practical investment that will ensure even more Nevadans can benefit from cost-saving clean energy programs while creating local jobs and strengthening our economy.”
“As someone on a fixed income due to disability, I have struggled to pay my family’s utility bills. Even though we try to conserve electricity, we have had to make sacrifices. I’ve had to limit the food I buy for the kids and buy fewer fruits and vegetables overall, because they are more expensive. That’s why today I am here urging the Nevada Legislature to do everything they can to lower utility bills, from increasing low-income families’ access to solar energy to holding corporate utilities accountable for fair rates,” said Ivon Meneses, Chispa Nevada member.
Press interested in Spanish Interviews should contact Carolina Chacon at Chispa Nevada.
Pictures and BRoll upon request. The press conference was livestreamed by NCL. Press can contact Camalot Todd for individual interviews.
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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.