Update: Nevada State lawmakers unanimously passed Senate Bill 358 on April 19, and the bill now moves to Governor Steve Sisolak’s desk to be signed into law.
Nevada is one step closer to expanding its generation and use of clean energy as a the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 358, which would boost Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard to 50% by 2030.
SB 358 received support from companies of all sizes doing business in Nevada, both in and outside of the clean energy sector.
The bill now goes to the Nevada Assembly’s Committee on Growth and Infrastructure. Introduced by Senator Chris Brooks, SB 358 is expected to also see broad support in the Assembly, and Gov. Steve Sisolak has promised to sign it.
The policy and support for it reflect a vote in November 2018 for Question 6, in which Nevadans voted 59 to 41% to get half of the state’s energy from clean sources by 2030.
Business and community leaders have been among the bill’s proponents.
“The Senate took an important step by passing SB 358. Across Nevada, renewable energy has lowered the state’s carbon emissions, created good jobs and generated new tax revenue for communities. SB 358, which increases the state’s commitment to renewable energy, promises to expand Nevada’s renewable energy industry. Thanks to leadership from Sen. Chris Brooks and his colleagues, Nevada will continue to benefit from the clean energy boom.” said Ben Serrurier of Cypress Creek Renewables.
“SB 358 adds Nevada to the ranks of leading states in the development of abundant clean, low-cost and efficient renewable energy,” said Sean Gallagher, VP of state affairs for SEIA. “We’re grateful that Senator Brooks and legislators from both parties support increasing the state’s RPS.”
“We applaud the swift approval of SB358 by the Nevada Senate,” said Anne Kelly, VP of government relations at Ceres. “The broad show of business support for this legislation makes it clear that strengthening Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard is a smart move for the state’s economy. We look forward to the legislature continuing to move this bill forward and for it to be signed into law.”
Below is a statement from Jessica Scott, senior director of Interior West states at Vote Solar:
“Last year, Nevada voters turned out in droves to raise the bar on clean energy in the state. We thank the Nevada Legislature for recognizing the will of the people and the urgency of a clean energy transition and putting Nevada on the path to 50% renewable energy by 2030. This bold but achievable clean energy commitment will support good jobs, healthier communities, and a brighter energy future for our children and future generations. It’s exactly the kind of leadership Nevada needs. We urge Assembly lawmakers to follow the lead of their Senate colleagues to pass the bill and send it to Governor Sisolak for signature.”
News item from Clean Energy Works for Nevada
Tell Us What You Think!