Nevada Governor Vetoes Bill to Increase Commitment to Renewable Energy

CARSON CITY, NEVADA -- Governor Sandoval vetoed Assembly Bill 206, which would have raised Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from 25 percent by the year 2025 to 40 percent by 2030. Nevada is easily on track to achieve its existing 2025 target, and the new standard would have provided certainty to entrepreneurs that Nevada is open for business when it comes to developing new clean energy technologies.

 

Nevada has vast solar, wind, and geothermal potential, but nearly 90 percent of the state’s energy comes from other states -- mostly in the form of natural gas. Passing AB206 would have been a commitment to using Nevada’s abundant renewable energy potential to create in-state jobs, diversify the economy, and ensure Nevadans have affordable and reliable power for generations.

 

Elspeth DiMarzio, Sierra Club’s Campaign Representative in Nevada, issued the following statement in response: 

 

“The Sierra Club is disappointed that Governor Sandoval failed to secure Nevada’s leadership role in the growing clean energy economy. The Governor’s veto of AB 206 denies the support we have seen from Nevada voters, the bipartisan efforts in the Nevada legislature, the faith community, and the endorsements of a range of businesses including eBay, MGM Resorts, and Zappos. A stronger commitment to the clean energy economy would have attracted investment in the state’s abundant renewable energy potential, created quality jobs, and guaranteed cleaner air and water for future generations.”