2021 Nevada Legislative Wrap-Up

During the 2021 Nevada Legislative session, more than a dozen dedicated Toiyabe Chapter volunteers, and several staff, spent hundreds of hours engaging with more than 45 bills. More than two-thirds of these went the direction of our support (or opposition). Although we would love to take credit for the great outcomes here, Nevada's elected champions and our other engaged non-profit partners were key to these successes as well.

During this session, more than a dozen volunteers testified on behalf of the Sierra Club on more than 40 pieces of legislation, and hundreds of citizens across the state took action on the legislative email updates we sent most weeks. Because of our work, more citizens are more informed about how the state legislative process works and how to engage in it. And they are more empowered to engage with elected decision makers to enact stronger environmental legislation. All of this work was led by Denise Rohrer and Ashlee Forman, both of whom stepped up to serve as co-leads of the Legislative Committee. Great work, everyone! Thank you!

And the work continues...

Both the Toiyabe Chapter Legislative and Political committees have already begun meeting to elect environmental champions in 2022, who will in turn introduce (and pass!) the important environmental legislation we would like to see at the next legislative session in 2023. The works starts now if we want to be most successful in both the 2022 elections and 2023 legislative session. Join us if you want to make a difference in this important work.

The list below shows which bills passed and which bills failed.

In addition to all our great, hard-working volunteers, we send our appreciation to the Nevada Conservation League, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, the wider Nevada Conservation Network and other partners and allies for great teamwork tracking, interpreting, organizing and advocating for these important changes to Nevada's laws. We're proud to work with a broad network of champions.

This page last updated June 16.

Bills that passed!

Mining Tax Reform

This session, the Nevada Legislature ignored AJR1**, AJR2** and SJR1**, all of which were passed in the 2020 special session to levy higher taxes on Nevada's mining industry. Instead, late at night on the 118th day of the 120-day session, Assembly leaders introduced AB495, a 4th option for mining tax reform. Although AB495 bill took too long to be developed, came too late in the session, did not include tribes or progressive stakeholders in discussions that shaped this bill, and did not address the sweetheart deal baked into our constitution that mining companies enjoy, the bill will bring between $150 million and $300 million to the state's coffers and Nevada's struggling education system. We also appreciate that this bill taxes gross proceeds, does not sunset, and directs funds to educate Nevada’s children. These are significant steps in good directions. But they are just the beginning of the work that needs to be done to ensure that mining companies compensate Nevadans fairly for the wealth they take and the damage they leave behind.

SB 448 – Transportation Omnibus

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Passed. Pending Governor's signature.

Requires Nevada Energy to invest $100 million toward transportation electrification projects. 40% of these must be used in historically underserved areas, on community (public transportation and multifamily housing) charging infrastructure and public transit and public fleets; 20% for "tourism" -- the expansion of charging infrastructure to access outdoor areas, and along tourism corridors; and 40% for other programs.
Adds energy storage from renewable energy sources and hybrid generation and storage facilities as allowable resources to the state’s renewable energy tax abatement program.
Gives the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada authority to determine which expenses are "prudent" when proposed by utilities. This prevents Nevada Energy, Southwest Gas or other utilities from passing undue expenses to ratepayers.
Requires Nevada Energy to model 80% carbon reduction by 2030 in all future Integrated Resource Plans.
Requires at least 10% of energy efficiency expenditures by utilities (such as Nevada Energy) be spent on customers in low-income households and residential customers and public schools in historically underserved communities.
Defines historically underserved communities (with the consultation of Sierra Club partner Chispa Nevada).
Expands access to rooftop solar by allowing tenant solar; multi-family residences will be able to take part in net-metering contracts with Nevada Energy.
Requires utilities (again, mainly Nevada Energy) to plan for “transmission infrastructure for a clean energy economy plan” and join a Regional Transmission Organization to facilitate regional sharing of renewable energy.

Ultimately, this bill will make it easier for Nevadans to plug their clean cars into clean energy, install solar panels on their roofs, and trust in our electric utility’s ability to provide affordable, reliable clean power for decades to come.

AB 349 – Removes the smog loophole from "classic" vehicles.

Sierra Club position - Support

Signed by the Governor.

This bill will close the Classic Vehicle smog loophole, update smog check fees to support county air quality programs, and reduce how often newer, cleaner cars need to get smog checked.
Right now, a loophole in Nevada law allows tens of thousands of older, smog-polluting vehicles to register as “Classic Cars” and avoid smog checks. These “classic in name only” vehicles can put out 9 to 18 times as much smog pollution as newer vehicles, putting Nevada’s climate and families’ health at risk.
Nevada has set ambitious goals to reduce tailpipe emissions in order to fight the climate crisis and to meet this goal, we must reduce emissions from older, dirtier cars and trucks. Closing the Classic Car loophole means cleaner air and a healthier environment.

AB 432 – Mandates Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Health and Human Services, the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange and other agencies to automatically provide voter registration to all enrolled clients.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Passed. Pending Governor's signature.

This common-sense bill expands the opportunities for legal citizens to register and participate in elections.
Many of the people who experience the worst air quality, urban heat, lack of access to nature, and lack of access to transportation are also those who have the hardest time voting. We need their votes so they will be better represented to improve these inequities.
All people registered must provide proof of identity, such as citizenship, address, date of birth, etc.
This is a Sierra Club issue because democracy is stronger when more citizens are able to vote. We need all voters to be able to elect representatives who will address our most urgent environmental concerns.

AB 148 – Revises provisions governing mining — bad actors.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Passed. Pending Governor's signature. Call Governor Sisolak at (775) 684-5670 to urge his signature.

This bill would prohibit mining companies and their executives from getting a new permit to mine if they’ve failed to clean up past operations.
Mining companies have extracted natural resources and left environmental disasters, and then have been allowed return and mine again.
This will protect Nevada’s lands and taxpayers from future degradation and expensive reclamation.

AB 383– Establishes provisions governing the energy efficiency of certain appliances.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Passed. Pending Governor's signature.

This bill will establish minimum energy efficiency levels for thirteen common business and consumer products.
Establishing these appliance standards is estimated to eliminate more than 1 million tons of CO2 from our atmosphere and save Nevadans $29 million per year by 2035.
AB 383 will save all Nevadans money. Establishing new standards is good for everyone's pocketbooks and will save us tens of millions of dollars each year.
AB 383 is good for our climate. AB 383 advances one of the key policy recommendations of the Nevada State Climate Strategy developed by Governor Sisolak’s administration. By 2035, this bill would avoid the carbon emissions equivalent of 28,000 cars from our roads.
AB 383 is good for our air, our water and public health. Air pollution sickens Nevadans and ups our health care costs by increasing asthma attacks, hospital visits, and heart attacks. When we cut energy waste, we reduce demand for electricity, cutting emissions and the water use of power plants. In addition the products meeting these standards emit fewer harmful pollutants. That’s good news for indoor air quality especially for those who have health problems.
AB 383 is a phenomenal return on investment. By 2035, Nevada will save $4.30 in energy bills for every $1.00 invested in more-efficient products. This investment will pay for itself, create jobs, increase wealth, and position our state to recover quickly as the economy reopens.

SB 297 – Creates tax incentives to create more community and urban gardens.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Signed by the Governor.

Community gardens can be a beneficial addition to many communities by increasing the availability of nutritious foods to people who might not otherwise have access.
They enhance biodiversity by supporting pollinating birds and insects.
For Reno, Las Vegas and other communities in Nevada that must import much of their food, they can reduce food miles, transportation costs and carbon and other toxic emissions. In doing so, they can help Nevada meet the goals of Nevada’s Climate Strategy, while creating a more sustainable system for producing local, healthy food.

SB 370 – Requires the Director of the State Department of Agriculture to purchase local food for supplemental food programs when possible.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Passed. Pending Governor's signature. Call Governor Sisolak at (775) 684-5670 to urge his signature.

Prioritizing the purchasing of local food for programs that provide food assistance would reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of food acquired from farther away.
It would protect the livelihoods of our rural communities and farmers. By increasing in-state purchasing we are boosting our local economies. This bill might also lead to greater incentives and support to develop more local farms to increase the availability of local, healthy food.
The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the importance of emergency food programs. In the past year, we have seen a massive spike in Americans who rely on these programs to feed themselves and their families. This bill ensures that these food assistance programs would receive the freshest, most nutritious food to nourish our communities in need.
The required report on food security would track important information and metrics that can be used to improve emergency food programs in the future.

AB 378 – Removes unconstitutional "Sagebrush Rebellion" language seeking the transfer of federally managed public lands to state or private interests.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Passed. Pending Governor's signature.

A large majority of Nevadans love our federally managed public lands and don't want that to change. If anything, we want stronger conservation measures, not moves to sell of and privatize our natural heritage.
This bill will eliminate existing unconstitutional and anti-public lands provisions in law, and better align the roles and responsibilities of the Division of State Lands.
There have been numerous efforts in the past to seize federal public lands and transfer ownership to the state or local governments, which would have negative impacts on conservation and public access.
Nevadans are lucky to have access to public lands. The state does not have the financial resources or the knowledge to effectively manage these lands, and any large-scale transfer would result in privatizing these public resources.

AB 211 – Establishes provisions relating to a plan to address impacts to wildlife.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Passed. Pending Governor's signature. Call Governor Sisolak at (775) 684-5670 to urge his signature.

This bill would require developers to consult with the Nevada Department of Wildlife on significant development proposals or plans and state the impacts to wildlife and habitat upon submission to a local government or other permitting authority.
Nevada’s iconic wildlife and open spaces make it a great place for both people and wildlife to call home, however urban development can threaten our wildlife by consuming and fragmenting their habitat, cutting off important migration corridors, or impacting the quality of the air or water.
This would be the first step towards encouraging developers to avoid impacts to wildlife and habitat and making progress to protect the wildlife and open spaces that make our state so special.

AB 343 – Provides for walking audits of urbanized areas.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Passed. Pending Governor's signature.

This bill requires local health departments to conduct a walking audits in urbanized areas.
This will help our state better understand and address walkable neighborhoods and move towards creating safe environments for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders.
Walkable neighborhoods increase physical activity and promote healthier communities, and can help make our communities more safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

AB 88 – Requiring school districts, the Nevada System of Higher Education, and the Nevada Board of Geographic Names to review and replace racist mascot and place names.

Sierra Club Position - Support

Status: Approved by the Governor. Effective October 1, 2021.

Sierra Club’s mission is to “Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet.” We want all people to feel welcome in our shared public spaces. Too often in the past, leaders of European descent used names that disrespected Indigenous cultures, or insulted other races and ethnicities unnecessarily. AB 88 would establish an expedited process to consider and change offensive place and mascot names.

Learn an update on the bill from the Nevada Independent

AB 146 – Revises provisions related to water

Status: Passed. Pending Governor's signature. Call Governor Sisolak at (775) 684-5670 to urge his signature.

This bill would establish a program to implement controls of nonpoint source water pollution and requires the adoption of regulations to control the contamination of groundwater if that groundwater provides drinking water for communities.

(Nonpoint pollution cannot be traced to a single pipe or other point source. Nonpoint source pollution can include excess fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas; oil, grease and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production; and sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding streambanks.)

Sierra Club position - Support

It would also require the state to protect all waters in Nevada at a level that is safe for municipal or domestic supply.
Nevada is the driest state in the nation, and our water is precious. The state has a responsibility to protect the quality of Nevada’s water to ensure that Nevadans in communities across the state have clean water to drink now and in the future.
Reducing pollution from nonpoint sources will improve water quality across the state, resulting in cleaner drinking water, lower water treatment costs, and safer water for outdoor recreation activities.

AB 171 - providing certain protections for a certain population of Rocky Mountain junipers.

Both AB171 and AJR4 (below) passed out of committee on bipartisan votes. They are now headed to the Assembly for a floor vote, then over to the Senate. Please support to make sure this special place gets the protect it deserves.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Signed by Governor Sisolak 5/25/21. Effective July 1, 2021.

AB171 asks state lawmakers to protect a site outside of reservation boundaries that is sacred to Western Shoshone, Goshute and Paiute people. The site, known in the Newe langauge as Bahsahwahbee , remains as a ceremonial site for Indigenous communities in the Great Basin. It is a place to share knowledge, make offerings, pray and heal. The site is also one of mourning. The area witnessed three massacres of Indigenous peoples between 1850 and 1900. There are currently no protections under state law to help guarantee their protection.

Swamp cedars are also threatened by drought and over-pumping of groundwater.

AJR 2 – Recognizes that forest health and water quality are inextricably linked.

Sierra Club Position - Support

Status: Enrolled and delivered to the Secretary of State.

This resolution recognizes that forest health and water quality are inextricably linked and expresses support for federal, state, and local governments to work with water purveyors and other stakeholders to identify watersheds that can be improved upon by better forest health measures.
Recognizing the connection between forest health and water quantity and quality highlights the important role that our forests play in collecting, filtering, and storing water. Our forests are threatened by drought and heat and these conditions are further exacerbated by climate change.
To understand and address the threats of climate and wildfire to our forests, and subsequently to our drinking water sources, we need cooperation among land managers and water purveyors.

AB 84 – Revises provisions relating to wildfires.

Sierra Club Position - Support

Status: Approved by Governor Sisolak.

This bill authorizes public-private partnerships to enhance investment in wildfire prevention, restoration infrastructure, and workforce development for enhancing landscape resiliency against the threat of wildfire.
Public-private partnerships can leverage public funds with private investment in wildfire threat reduction.

AB 356 – Would require the removal of wasteful lawns in southern Nevada

Sierra Club position - Support as amended

Status: Passed. Approved by Governor Sisolak.

Would prohibit the use of water from the Colorado River to irrigate nonfunctional turf (lawn), and would require SNWA to develop a plan to remove nonfunctional turf from certain properties.

AB 95 – Revises the membership of the Legislative Committee on Public Lands.

Sierra Club Position - Support

Status: Passed. Approved by Governor Sisolak.

This bill will add a tribal representative to the Legislative Committee on Public Lands. We support this bill for the following reasons:

Nevada's Indigenous communities have been living on and stewarding the lands for generations and continue to do so today. The land that we are discussing is their land and they must be an integral part of the discussions about the management, protection, and use of those lands.
Tribal knowledge and experience will benefit all Nevadans and the legislature as they shape policies.

SB 18 – Revises provisions governing penalties for certain violations relating to public utilities.

Sierra Club Position - Support

Status: Approved by Governor Sisolak. Effective July 1, 2021.

This bill allows the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to increase fines for utilities if they violate Commission rules or regulations, or don’t follow a Commission order.
In order for a fine to encourage good behavior by the utilities, the potential cost of the fine must exceed the value of the bad behavior.
Many energy-related policies are implemented through Commission rules and orders, and this bill would better ensure that utilities comply in good faith.

AJR 3 - A resolution urging the U.S. Congress to protect 30% of Nevada's lands and waters by 2030.

Sierra Club stance: Support!

Status: Passed. Effective May 21, 2021.

This important resolution is being heard by committee on Wednesday, March 10. Although this resolution mandates no on-the-ground protections, it would be an important call for action, urging the U.S. Congress, Governor Sisolak, and federal, state, and local agencies to work cooperatively to protect 30% of Nevada's lands and waters by 2030.

Greater protections can help stem more intense wildfires, dangerous droughts, and loss of habitat due to sprawl and development. These all degrade rangelands and forests. Unsafe air quality takes a toll on human health, the economy, and environment.
Nevada’s Great Basin has hundreds of springs, hot springs, creeks, lakes, and rivers fed by the natural water cycles and mountain ranges of the state. The more we can conserve lands that allow for the natural water cycles to continue to feed these water feathers the better these natural water resources can sustain life, wildlife, and sustainable, outdoor recreational tourism.
Nature gives us clean drinking water, clean air, healthy food supplies, natural places where we can get outside, and the biodiversity that protects us from disease and that is the source of so many cures in medicine. We need to protect the nature that sustains and protects us.
A global effort is under way from leading nations, scientists, and NGOs to raise awareness of the threats facing our natural world and to inspire world leaders to take action to protect it. This resolution is Nevada's first step in doing our part.
Sections of the resolution call specifically for the protection of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge and the proposed Avi Kwa Ame National Monument.

Learn more background and talking points at this toolkit here.

Read Sierra Club's letter of support here.

SB 52 - Promoting Dark Skies in Nevada

Promotes dark sky designations for certain sites in Nevada; introduced by the Senate Natural Resources Committee and championed by the Offices of the Lieutenant Governor and Outdoor Recreation.

Sierra Club Position - Support

Status: Passed. Signed by Governor Sisolak. Section 1 effective May 10, 2021 for the purpose of adopting regulations and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act and on October 1, 2021, for all other purposes.

AB 413 – To establish an interim legislative committee on transportation.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Signed by Governor Sisolak. Section 2 effective May 21, 2021. Section 1 of this act becomes effective: (a) May 21, 2021, for the purpose of appointing members to the Advisory Working Group created by section 1 of this act and performing any other preparatory administrative tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act; and (b) On July 1, 2021, for all other purposes.

The transportation sector is now the leading emitter of greenhouse gases and other pollution. And unfortunately, these emissions and toxins are more concentrated and dangerous to people living in our cities. It is time to make transportation cleaner, healthier, and more affordable.
Nevada deserves a 21st-century clean transportation system with access to cars, trucks, and buses that rely on little to no oil. We deserve clean and available public transit. We deserve communities that are designed so people don't need cars to access their jobs, recreation, goods, and services. This access should be available to everyone, no matter their background, ethnicity, or zip code.
An interim legislative committee on transportation would encourage meaningful conversations toward the solutions we seek.

SB 77 - to exempt from the Open Meetings Law and the Nevada Public Records Act all meetings and records from a public body related to a NEPA proceeding.

Sierra Club Position - Oppose

Waiting for the Governor's signature

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is the best and most important tool the public has for protecting the quality of the natural and human environment and human health, in Nevada and nationwide. The Open Meetings Law and the Nevada Public Records Act are designed to promote transparency and democracy, and to provide a window into the workings of government so that government is
held accountable for their actions. The public has a right to know what state and local agencies and other public bodies are doing.

The Sierra Club signed on to testimony opposing SB77. Click to read it here.

SJR 10 – Urges Congress to protect the public lands including and adjacent to Sunrise Mountain, Frenchman Mountain and Rainbow Gardens.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Enrolled and delivered to Secretary of State

This resolution urges Congress to protect the public lands including and adjacent to Sunrise Mountain, Frenchman Mountain and Rainbow Gardens by designating them for federal protection.
These areas are home to some of the earliest evidence of human inhabitance in the western United States, hold significance for our indigenous communities, and have various opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Among these resources is Gypsum Cave. Gypsum Cave is a place of great religious and cultural significance to the Southern Paiutes. The cave has been long overdue for the protections it properly merits under existing laws like the Native American Religious Freedom Act and Native American Graves and Reappropriation Act.
Gypsum Cave is also home to important paleontological fossils, such as giant ground sloths, dire wolves, stilt-legged horses, and camels.
These lands are also home to the Great Unconformity, a true geologic mystery and excellent outdoor classroom.

AJR 4 - Encourages the Nevada's Congressional delegation, the US Congress and the Biden Administration to offer greater federal protections of the site, including a National Monument listing, an expansion of Great Basin National Park, or a co-managed system between the tribes and federal officials.

Sierra Club position - Support

Status: Enrolled and delivered to Secretary of State

This resolution would do something that has never been done before in Nevada. It would recognize a sacred place for the Ely Shoshone, Duckwater Shoshone and the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation. As Indigenous leaders and elders have expressed, this is an existential matter for Indigenous peoples.

Bills that died along the way

AB 380 – Would require gas utilities to prove that their spending plans will keep energy affordable and safe as Nevadans move toward powering their homes and businesses with clean electricity rather than fossil fuels.

Sierra Club position - Support as amended

Status: Failed to pass first committee

This bill as amended will require Nevada’s gas utilities to plan for future spending on the gas system and demonstrate the economic, environmental, and other benefits to the state and utility customers. It also requires the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) to investigate the role of gas utilities in reaching Nevada’s climate goals, and report its findings to the Legislature by 2023.
Methane gas, aka “natural” gas, is a powerful and harmful climate pollutant. Responsible Energy Planning will prevent wasteful and unnecessary gas system spending that leads to rate increases, and require utilities and the PUCN to account for health costs and climate impacts when planning for the future.
It will also investigate the barriers that low income households and historically underserved communities face in a transition away from fossil fuels to Nevada’s homegrown clean energy resources, and options to overcome these challenges.
It would create local clean energy jobs. By investing in Nevada's world-class solar and geothermal energy resources instead of importing fossil fuels, utilities can help diversify the state's economy and create jobs by supporting the growing renewable energy sectors.
Read bill sponsor Lesley Cohen's op-ed about the need for this bill in the Nevada Independent.

AB 114 – Revises provisions related to manufacturers of electric motor vehicles.

Sierra Club Position - Support

Failed to pass first committee

This bill would allow electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to sell directly to customers in Nevada (currently, only Tesla gets to do so; other manufacturers do not).
This would increase EV options available for test drives and purchase, which will likely lead to increased adoption of EVs in Nevada.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in our state and our health, economy, and climate all suffer as a result. Increasing adoption of EVs will reduce these harmful emissions while helping our state meet our climate goals.

ACR 3 – Requires the Legislative Commission to appoint an interim committee to conduct a study concerning environmental justice.

Sierra Club position - Support

Failed to get a hearing

ACR3 would:

Improve the health of Nevadans and protect Nevada’s land, air, water, plants, animals, and historical and cultural sites by requiring that state and local agencies consider and mitigate potential adverse effects before permitting significant projects.
Recommend a framework under Nevada law to determine if a governmental action has the potential to affect the environment, and disproportionately affect certain peoples and communities. The ACR3 required study would also contain environmental justice and quality triggers as to when review is warranted.
Explore creation of an environmental justice screening tool for Nevada to determine disproportionately impacted communities as part of Nevada’s policy on environmental justice, including the identification of socioeconomic and health indicators.
Due to budget constraints, only a few study-creating resolutions will move forward. Help make sure ACR3 is one.

SCR 10 – Directs the Legislative Committee on Energy to conduct an interim study concerning the development of hydrogen, vanadium and lithium as energy resources in Nevada

Sierra Club position - Neutral

It is vitally important that our state does its due diligence in studying how lithium extraction and application will impact our state.
Lithium is importance in the advancement of electric vehicles and large scale energy storage, but it’s important to acknowledge and minimize the potential impacts to the state’s limited water resources, to wildlife, their habitats and nearby communities.
The energy transition needs to be more than technological; it also needs to consider how we develop and deploy these technologies. Mining inherently disproportionately affects certain communities and their environment.
We urge the committee to add language for the parameters of the study to include lithium battery recycling, including how batteries can be designed for reuse and recycling, free prior informed consent-based mining, and considerations for air and water quality due to future lithium and hydrogen projects. In addition, the bill should include provisions guaranteeing that the study will allow for and include input from environmental advocates, social justice groups, and impacted communities.

Innovation Zones – a disturbing concept that (thankfully) never got introduced.

One proposal that caused great alarm with Sierra Club and other concerned partners and citizens was a proposal created by Blockchains LLC to create an autonomous, business-owned-and-controlled county-within-a-county in what is now Storey County. The proposal revolves around Blockchain's plan to build a 67,000-acre city, where all responsibilities such as tax collection, K-12 education and other services normally provided by county governments would be controlled by Blockchains. This city, dubbed by some as "Blockchainistan," would depend on water piped from an already-overallocated basin near the Black Rock Desert, across the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation and the Truckee River, to this new city. Other concerns include governance; would this new government allow any public oversight of decisions and operations, or would this become a true company town?

Although this concept did not pass, the Legislature did pass SCR11, which created committee to study this concept durng the interim. Toiyabe Chapter advocates will continue to watch and engage in this process moving forward.

AB 354 – Would create water markets in Nevada.

Sierra Club position - Oppose

Failed to pass first committee

The legislation would allow powerful, deep-pocketed interests to control our water resources with little oversight.
When you see words like transparency in AB354, it’s not referring to government accountability; it refers to pricing. In California, there are water markets that allow for “transparent” markets where water can be hedged and speculated upon.
Markets like the ones described in AB354 and facilitated by mechanisms in AB356 will turn Nevada’s water resources into a commodity to be traded. Profit and investor return become the priorities instead of clean, healthy, and available water for those who need it.
There is nothing in this bill (or AB 356, below) that guarantees the conservation of our water resources.
With these bills, any company would be able to buy and dry fields, sit on water and wait for a high bidder.
Water isn’t a commodity. It is life.

AB 5 - Limiting judicial review of bad water decisions by state officials.

Sierra Club Position: Oppose

Nevada water officials are pushing a bill that would limit grassroots organizations, mom-and-pop businesses, tribes, and environmental advocates from fighting bad water decisions in court issued by – of course – state water officials. There is no good reason for limiting someone’s access to the justice system. This bill lets the state shield itself from the courts. That’s bad for the environment and our citizens.

AB5 would amend NRS 533.450(1). As currently written, the statute allows all Nevadans who may be aggrieved by a decision from the Nevada State Engineer to have their day in court if a judge deems it a worthy cause. This bill also limits the type of orders subject to judicial review under NRS.533.450(1). Now there will be fewer opportunities to fight back against bad decisions. Additionally, the bill introduces a new term into Nevada water law: Materially affected. Advocacy groups often work on behalf of the public interest. Because the term materially affected is not defined, interpretations of the new law could block environmental groups from having an avenue for justice on egregious water decisions issued by the State of Nevada. This will make it harder to stop water grabs, protect resources and ensure a healthy environment for future generations. Judges know frivolous claims when they see them. We don’t need to limit access to the courts. We need to protect access to water justice.

SB 382 – To establish requirements and incentives for utilities to create energy efficiency programs in Nevada.

Sierra Club position - Support

Died in the first committee, but elements of this bill were added to SB448 - the Transportation Omnibus bill.

Energy efficiency programs reduce greenhouse gas emissions, because they reduce the energy needed by businesses and residences. In doing so, they save customers money.
More than 11,000 Nevadans already work in the energy efficiency sector. This bill would add more local, family-wage jobs that cannot be outsourced. This work includes installing cost-saving lighting, improving building insulation, replacing heating, properly ventilating and updating air conditioning systems, and more.
When we cut energy waste, we reduce demand for electricity, cutting emissions and the water use of power plants, which in turn cleans the air, thus improving people's health.
Every dollar invested in energy efficiency in 2019 produced more than $2.36 in savings nationally.
This will would require that at least 10% of energy efficiency investments by utilities are directed to underserved and low-income communities.

AB 221 – Enacts provisions relating to the diagnosis, maintenance and repair of certain digital electronic equipment. Right to Repair

Sierra Club position - Support

Failed to pass first committee

This bill requires that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who sell electronics make the repair essentials necessary to repair these products available at a fair and reasonable price to all interested in purchasing them.
If consumers had the right to repair their devices, the reuse of devices could reduce demand for natural resources, reduce the flow of toxic waste into landfills, and help mitigate climate change by reducing the energy consumed in the manufacturing phase of production.
Every time you buy a new electronic device, you're supporting jobs overseas. Every time you have one repaired, you're support local jobs in your community.
Apple and other electronics manufacturers are opposing this, because they like their monopoly grip on your consumer preferences. Please support and stand up for your rights as a consumer.

AB 275 – Establishes restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.

Sierra Club position - Support

Failed to pass first committee

This bill categorizes neonicotinoids as restricted-use pesticides (meaning they will no longer be available for general consumer use). It also would prohibit their use on state lands.
Neonicotinoids have severe impacts on pollinators, such as bees, and have been linked to pollinator decline worldwide.
The bee lobby is too busy making honey. They need you to support this bill on their behalf.

SB 296 – Would allow Southwest Gas to ignore climate science and subvert the authority of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to force Nevadans to continue using methane gas—a fossil fuel.

Sierra Club position - Oppose!

Failed to pass first committee

This bill would allow Southwest Gas to replace up to 7,000 miles of gas pipelines, even when unnecessary and with little regulatory oversight—and leave customers paying the $3.7 billion bill.
It would give a blank check from Nevadans to Southwest Gas and force state regulators to approve replacement programs without deciding if they are necessary or economically sound. It’s unfair, and the wrong thing to do.
Opposing SB 296 will ensure Nevada regulators can continue to monitor utility system safety and keep us on a path to affordable, clean, renewable energy.

AB 380 – Would require gas utilities to prove that their spending plans will keep energy affordable and safe as Nevadans move toward powering their homes and businesses with clean electricity rather than fossil fuels.

Sierra Club position - Support!

Failed to pass first committee

Over the next few decades, gas use will decline as Nevada moves toward local solar and geothermal resources to heat buildings. This means we need to take a careful look at gas utility projects to make sure the benefits outweigh costs when compared with alternatives like efficiency and electricity.
Defending public health: The bill would require utilities to consider the health and climate impacts of methane gas including dangerous levels of indoor air pollution, increased smog, and wildfire risk.
Creating local clean energy jobs: By investing in Nevada's world-class solar and geothermal energy resources instead of importing fossil fuels, utilities can help diversify the state's economy and create jobs by supporting the growing renewable energy sectors.
Read bill sponsor Lesley Cohen's op-ed about the need for this bill in the Nevada Independent.
Please also sign Sierra Club's petition in support of Responsible Gas Planning at the Legislature.

AB 97 – Would require the State Environmental Commission to set drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Sierra Club position - Support

PFAS are used commonly in everything from waterproof clothing, non-stick pans and fire-fighting foam. They do not naturally break down in the environment. They can move through soils contaminating drinking water sources, and they build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife. They are therefore referred to as “forever chemicals.”
These chemicals are linked to cancer and developmental and reproductive harm. They have contaminated drinking water sources across the country with increasing regularity.
Setting limits for these man-made chemicals is essential to ensure water is safe for drinking and all living organisms.
Lack of federal regulation on these chemicals requires states to establish their own regulations.
The public should be confident their water is safe to drink and wastewater discharges will not contaminate groundwater, downstream water supplies or the environment as a whole.

SB 349 – Revises provisions relating to public health.

Sierra Club position - Support

Failed to pass second house

This bill excludes some compostable materials from the provisions governing the disposal of solid waste and establishes that the sale of unpackaged produce at a licensed farmers' market may not be prohibited by local ordinances or the State Board of Health.
Composting can significantly cut down on the amount of trash in a landfill while enriching soil with nutrients, and reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
Farmers’ markets increase access to local, healthy food while supporting local businesses.
Ensuring produce can be sold package-free at farmers’ markets reduces the amount of waste produced at these markets.
The cost of selling produce is reduced which preserves the farmer’s livelihoods and encourages other farmers to take part in the markets.
It allows buyers to choose which specific ingredients they are most likely to consume, reducing food and packaging waste.

SB 227 – Makes various changes relating to the regulation of fireworks.

Sierra Club position - Support

Failed to pass first committee

This bill requires the State Fire Marshal to enforce all laws and adopt regulations relating to fireworks and authorizes them to set standards for designating which types of fireworks are safe. It also requires that local governments adopt regulations regarding fireworks that are at least as restrictive as the regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal.
Around 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are human caused and illegal fireworks are a common culprit.

SJR 3 – Urges Congress to provide funding to reduce the wild horse and burro populations to appropriate management levels.

Sierra Club Position - Support

Failed to pass first house.

This resolution urges Congress to provide funding to reduce the free-roaming horses and burros (FRHB) populations to appropriate management levels (AML) and expresses support for reducing excess FRHB using non-lethal means to protect and restore the health and viability of our public lands and wildlife habitat.
Nevada is home to over 50% of the nation’s free roaming horses, having over 50,000 animals on BLM lands in 2020, which is nearly 400% of AML.
These excessive populations of FRHB of the last four decades have in many areas impacted ecosystem health, habitat, forage, and water resources; in turn imperiling the health and well-being of wildlife, vegetation, and native ecosystems, as well as the horses and burros themselves.

AJR 5 – Urges Congress to sell or transfer certain public lands to local governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Sierra Club Position - Oppose

Failed to pass first committee

This resolution is a solution in search of a problem. The recreation & public purpose provision works well and allows for multiple public purposes of public lands.
Transferring ownership of these lands could open them up for sale to private entities that would not utilize them for public purposes.
This resolution could also unnecessarily increase costs to nonprofit organizations by forcing them to buy land and pay property taxes with no discernible benefit.

AB 299 – Makes various changes relating to wildlife.

Sierra Club position - Support

Dead at Sine Die

This bill will allow for the salvage of wild game accidentally killed in a vehicle collision.
Adding these provisions to state law will ensure that we don’t waste our wildlife resources.