As Donald Trump tries to drag the country backward, Nevada is on the verge of taking big steps toward a healthy, renewable energy future this year. Under consideration in the state legislature right now are bills to increase the state’s renewable portfolio standard for utilities to 50 percent by 2030 (with a goal of 80 percent by 2040), to establish a community solar program and green banks, to bolster energy efficiency programs, and much more. But the fate of these bills is uncertain, as the state’s largest utility, Nevada Energy, and big casinos have staked out opposition or are advancing watered down alternatives.
To help build momentum for passage of the clean energy and energy efficiency bills at a crucial time in the legislative process, Climate Parents brought 30 fourth through ninth graders from Reno’s High Desert Montessori School—along with a cadre of teachers and parents—to the state capitol on April 7 for a “Kids for Clean Energy” day.
The students researched the various bills and then prepared posters and talking points to make their case to a series of bipartisan legislators who came to a morning forum with the students or who welcomed them to their offices. Freshman Assemblywoman Jill Tolles (R-Reno) highlighted the importance of citizen engagement in the process, while Senator Pat Spearman (D-Las Vegas), who is pictured above at right with Senator Heidi Gansert (R-Wahoe), shared her passion for renewable energy, informed by her perspective as a veteran who understands that clean energy means fewer wars for fossil fuels, and troops protected from the hazards of transporting oil across battlefields.
To cap off their day of clean energy advocacy, three of the students offered public comment in support of the community solar bill in a Senate energy subcommittee, stressing the need for bold, urgent action on climate change, as well as that community solar makes solar accessible to all and opens up exciting opportunities for schools (and other nonprofit institutions) to be powered by 100 percent emission-free, renewable energy.
Nothing is more powerful than kids taking action for their future. The Reno students left Carson City fired up to help create the changes they want to see in the world, and scores of legislators were in turn reminded of what’s at stake in the votes they were about to cast.
Learn more about how you can get involved with Climate Parents.