If you’re a fan of public lands, clean energy, wildlife, and water, the Nevada Legislature has been taking these issues in good directions (for the most part).
A whole slew of bills have passed out of their originating committees (except for a few “exemptions” explained below). They now go to a floor vote, then to the opposite house to start the process again.
Click here to learn more and support your favorite legislation. It’s a long list, and they need support. If you can’t support them all, focus on the priorities, or just pick a few of your favorites. Either way, please take a few minutes to weigh in today.
How you can voice your support (or opposition!):
- Click here to share your opinion with legislators: Simply type in the bill/resolution number, and let them know how you feel.
- Contact the legislators listed under specific bills listed below. It will be important to thank committee members who passed controversial legislation (especially the Republicans, who are breaking with party to support these bills).
Don’t know who your legislator is? Click here to find out!
Priorities First!
AB 206 – Revises provisions relating to the renewable portfolio standard. POSITION – SUPPORT High Priority
- This bill increases the Nevada’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to require 50% renewable energy by 2030 and sets a goal of 80% by 2040, with appropriate step-ups between now and 2030. It will have a far-reaching benefits across Nevada’s economy and environment.
- Nevada has very little in the way of traditional fossil fuel resources, but has an abundance of solar, geothermal and wind energy sources.
- By increasing our RPS, we will create jobs in Nevada, reduce pollution and send a message that our state is the nation’s leader in the new clean energy economy.
- This bill has not passed committee yet; it’s been exempted from the rules to allow continued negotiation. Contact the committee members below to urge your support and insist the rules stay strong. Don’t let them lower required percentages or lengthen the time!
Chris Brooks, Chair: Chris.Brooks@asm.state.nv.us
Irene Bustamante Adams, Vice Chair: Irene.BustamanteAdams@asm.state.nv.us
Sandra Jauregui: Sandra.Jauregui@asm.state.nv.us
Maggie Carlton: Maggie.Carlton@asm.state.nv.us
Nelson Araujo: Nelson.Araujo@asm.state.nv.us
Paul Anderson: Paul.Anderson@asm.state.nv.us
Jim Marchant: Jim.Marchant@asm.state.nv.us
AB 298 – Revises provisions relating to water. POSITION – OPPOSE High Priority
- This bill is SNWA’s attempt to change to water law as it relates to the definitions of perennial yield, environmental soundness and monitoring, management & mitigation (3M) plans.
- As drafted, this legislation does not provide adequate protections for senior water rights, plants and wildlife. Adequate 3M plans should include specific triggers to curtail pumping, and conflicts should be resolved to the satisfaction of the senior rights holders.
Please voice your opinion on the legislative site or contact your legislator directly to oppose this bill.
SB 413 – Establishes “Public Lands Day” in the State of Nevada. POSITION – SUPPORT High Priority
- This bill speaks to the importance of our public lands by creating a state Public Lands Day on the last Saturday in September.
- The ability to access public lands is an important part of the Nevada experience. This bill celebrates that by creating a day of recognition and recognizing the value of public lands in statute.
This bill passed bipartisan. Please take a few minutes to thank the sponsor and members of this committee:
Sen. Nicole Cannizzaro, sponsor - @Nicole4Nevada; Nicole.Cannizzaro@sen.state.nv.us
Sen. David Parks - @davidparksNV; David.Parks@sen.state.nv.us
Sen. Mark Manendo - @mmanendo; Mark.Manendo@sen.state.nv.us
Sen. Julia Ratti - @rattijulia; Julia.Ratti@sen.state.nv.us
Sen. Pete Goicoechea - No twitter handle; Pete.Goicoechea@sen.state.nv.us
Sen. Joe Hardy - @electjoehardy; Joe.Hardy@sen.state.nv.us
SJR 12 – Rescinds Senate Joint Resolution No. 1 of the 78th Session of the Nevada Legislature. POSITION – SUPPORT High Priority
- This bill undoes the passage of SJR 1 in 2015, which irresponsibly called for the large-scale transfer of our public lands to state or private control.
- The State of Nevada is not equipped to manage large areas of public lands. The likely outcome would be selling of these lands into private hands, cutting off access for average Nevadans. This resolution reaffirms that we want to see public lands stay public.
Public Lands and Wildlife
SB 221 – Revises provisions governing wildlife. POSITION – SUPPORT
- As amended, this bill creates a subcommittee of the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners to educate, promote and engage Nevadans concerning the responsible stewardship of wildlife.
- Nevada has a great story to tell about the conservation of our wildlife species. Many residents are not aware of the robust system of management through the Department of Wildlife. This subcommittee will help create a better appreciation for our wildlife species and how they are managed.
SB 411 – Authorizes a local government to establish a program for the managed care of feral cat colonies. POSITION – OPPOSE
- This bill authorizes a local government to establish a trap, sterilize & release program for feral cats.
- Feral cats are an exotic species and are a significant predator to migratory songbirds, some of which are endangered or threatened. This bill specifically authorizes the release of these animals and enables this predation.
- According to the Wildlife Society, domestic cats are responsible for the extinction for numerous mammals, reptiles, and at least 33 bird species globally.
SJR 13 – Expresses the support of the Nevada Legislature for certain recommendations relating to the conservation of wildlife in this State. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill expresses support for the findings of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources.
- Resources for wildlife conservation are never enough for the need. The proposal from this panel offers the opportunity for additional funding for wildlife conservation.
SB 197 – Extends the deadline for issuing certain bonds for certain environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill extends the authority to sell bonds for Nevada’s share of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) for another ten years. Due to the recession, Nevada has not been able to sell the authorized $100 million authorized in 2009.
- The EIP is one of the most important programs for achieving environmental gain in the Lake Tahoe basin through a variety of “on-the-ground” projects jointly funded by the two states.
SB 198 – Extends the deadline for issuing certain bonds relating to the property and natural resources of Nevada approved by the voters in 2002. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill extends the authority to sell bonds under the Conservation and Resource Bond Program for another five years. Due to the recession, Nevada has not been able to sell the authorized $200 million authorized in 2002.
- The funding authorized by the voters in 2002 has been a crucial funding source for many beneficial projects in Nevada over the last 15 years, including projects like the Springs Preserve and recreational trails at Swan Lake and Job’s Peak.
AJR 13 – Expresses the support of the Nevada Legislature for the enactment and use of the Antiquities Act and the designation of the Basin and Range National Monument and the Gold Butte Monument in this State. POSITION – SUPPORT
- Basin & Range and Gold Butte National Monuments were created to protect important wildlife habitat and cultural resources in our state.
- The Antiquities Act is a tool that has been used by both Republican and Democratic Presidents to protect special places like Gold Butte and Basin & Range. Nevadans are lucky to have treasures like these in our backyard.
AB 277 – Revises provisions governing land use planning. POSITION – SUPPORT
- As amended, this bill creates a definition of natural resource overlay lands which includes areas within National Conservation Areas and one half mile around these areas, and requires developers to adhere to strict development standards within those areas.
- This legislation will protect our National Conservation Areas from encroaching development that negatively affects the experience of these public areas.
AB 385 – Requires the issuance, without charge, of an annual pass for state parks and recreational areas to certain persons under certain circumstances. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill allows for free passes to state parks and recreational areas for every Nevada fifth grade child and his or her family.
- This program mirrors the federal Every Kid in a Park program, which is a very successful program to get children outside experiencing nature and building an appreciation for our natural world.
AB 393 – Sets forth legislative findings and declarations concerning certain changes in zoning and development standards. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill makes legislative declarations relating to the potential development of Sunrise and Frenchman’s Mountains in the Las Vegas valley.
- Hillside residential development in this area will have significant impact on the region’s environment and quality of life.
AB 449 – Establishes Public Lands Day in the State of Nevada. POSITION – SUPPORT
- As amended, this bill designates the fourth Saturday in September as Public Lands Day and allows for free admission to state parks on that day.
- Nevada has an abundance of public lands that provide recreational and economic benefits to all of us. It is more than appropriate to celebrate this each year.
Energy
SB 65 – Revises provisions related to the filing by certain electric utilities of an integrated resource plan. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill directs the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to give preference to energy sources that diversify portfolios and provide the greatest opportunity for new jobs in integrated resource planning decisions and creates a pre-filing stakeholder process to allow for earlier discussion.
- Nevada has very little fossil fuel resources, but has limitless clean energy resources and significant opportunities for energy efficiency. It makes sense to give preference to our in-state resources when considering future needs.
SB 145 – Revises provisions relating to energy. POSITION – SUPPORT
- As amended, this bill will allow for incentives for energy storage systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, and low-income solar energy systems. The bill also clarifies the status of electric vehicle charging stations.
- This bill makes use of the remaining allocation under the Renewable Generations program to encourage the adoption of clean energy technologies like electric vehicles, storage and solar.
SB 146 – Requires certain electric utilities to file a distributed resources plan with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill requires the filing of a distributed resources plan as a part of the utility’s overall integrated resource plan.
- Distributed resources like rooftop solar and energy storage systems are a key part of Nevada’s clean energy future.
SB 150 – Revises provisions related to energy efficiency programs. POSITION – SUPPORT
- As amended, this bill sets a clear public policy in favor of energy efficiency and requires the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to set targets for energy savings.
- The cheapest and cleanest energy we have is the energy that we don’t use. This bill is an important step forward for Nevada to again lead our region in energy conservation.
SB 204 – Requires the Public Utilities Commission to investigate and establish a requirement for certain electric utilities to procure energy storage systems under certain circumstances. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill directs the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to investigate energy storage systems and potential requirements electric utilities to plan for such systems.
- Energy storage technologies are advancing rapidly and it is clear that storage will be a key part of a clean energy future. It makes sense for the PUC to look into these new technologies to see how they can benefit Nevadans.
SB 392 – Revises provisions relating to energy. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill makes various changes to energy law to allow for the creation of community solar gardens, which allow for small groups of friends and neighbors to join together on a solar array that can offset each of their electricity bills.
- The bill also creates and funds a program to allow for lower-income Nevadans to participate.
- This legislation gives more Nevadans meaningful energy choices that allow residents to get more of their electricity from clean renewable sources.
SB 407 – Creates the Nevada Green Bank Program. POSITION – SUPPORT
- As amended, this bill creates a nonprofit to facilitate financing options for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades for homes and businesses.
- Up-front financing is often the biggest barrier to more people taking advantage of local clean energy options. This program that has been proven to work in other states, creates the opportunity to bridge that gap.
AB 223 – Revises provisions relating to energy efficiency programs. POSITION – SUPPORT
- As amended, this bill makes changes to energy efficiency policy by encouraging the use of all cost-effective energy efficiency programs and creating a carve out for lower income residents.
- Nevada used to be a leader in energy efficiency in the past, but has slipped in recent years. This legislation will ensure that we are maximizing opportunities to create energy efficiency programs that reach all sectors of the economy, helping to lower Nevadans’ electricity bills and curbing pollution.
AJR 10 – Expresses opposition to the development of a repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain in the State of Nevada. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This resolution expresses the opposition of the Nevada legislature to the proposed nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain. Multiple scientific studies have shown Yucca Mountain to be an unsuitable location for the long-term storage of high-level radioactive waste, and the potential negative impact to Nevada’s environment could render much of Southern Nevada uninhabitable.
Water
AB 50 – Revises provisions relating to the imposition of certain fees, civil penalties and administrative fines by the State Environmental Commission.
POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill allows for the Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP) to enact reasonable fees and levy appropriate fines relating to public and community water systems.
- NDEP has the responsibility of ensuring safe and clean drinking water. This bill gives the agency the tools they need to do their job.
AB 52 – Revises provisions relating to dissolved mineral resources.
POSITION – SUPPORT
- As amended, this bill directs the Division of Minerals to work with the Division of Water Resources to develop regulations for exploration for dissolved mineral resources.
- Lithium is a mineral that is commonly found as a dissolved resource. Although the use of lithium offers many environmental benefits in the form of batteries, we must ensure that exploration is done in a way that does not undermine existing water law.
AB 138 – Authorizes the de minimus collection of precipitation under certain circumstances. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill allows the de minimus collection of precipitation for domestic & wildlife use.
- Passage of this bill will allow for local water conservation and will specifically allow the use of guzzlers, which are crucial for the survival of wildlife in Nevada’s arid climate.
AB 159 – Prohibits hydraulic fracturing in this State. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill outlaws the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the state of Nevada.
- This process, which injects a pressurized mixture of water and chemicals into underground rock formations to produce oil and gas, is linked to increased seismic activity and potential groundwater contamination. The fluid used also must be disposed of, either in containment pits or re-injection. In addition, the practice is exempted from portions of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- Nevada’s energy future lies in clean technologies like solar and geothermal. It makes no sense to jeopardize our precious water resources for dirty energy that likely doesn’t even exist.
AB 209 – Revises provisions governing the forfeiture of water rights. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill creates a process in our state’s water law to allow water conservation in drought-stricken basins.
- The “use it or lose it” provision in our water law can sometimes have the unintended effect of encouraging water right holders to use more water than they need. This will create a mechanism to reward water conservation.
AB 298 – Revises provisions relating to water. POSITION – OPPOSE
- This bill makes various changes to water law as it relates to the definitions of perennial yield, environmental soundness and monitoring, management & mitigation (3M) plans.
- As drafted, this legislation does not provide adequate protections for senior water rights, plants and wildlife. Adequate 3M plans should include specific triggers to curtail pumping, and conflicts should be resolved to the satisfaction of the senior rights holders.
AB 138 – Authorizes the de minimus collection of precipitation under certain circumstances. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill allows the de minimus collection of precipitation for domestic & wildlife use.
- Passage of this bill will allow for local water conservation and will specifically allow the use of guzzlers, which are crucial for the survival of wildlife in Nevada’s arid climate.
SB47 – Requires the State Water Engineer to conduct an inventory of a water basin from which water is proposed to be transferred; extends the amount of time citizen water-rights holders have to work on forfeiture to match municipalities. POSITION – SUPPORT
AJR 4 – Requests the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct an independent scientific and economic analysis of the current management practices of the Colorado River, the impact of these practices on water security, flood protection and biodiversity recovery, and alternative management options, including draining Lake Powell and decommissioning and destroying the Glen Canyon Dam. POSITION – SUPPORT
- Many of the decisions regarding the allocation of the Colorado River were based upon incomplete or inaccurate data, and Glen Canyon Dam loses billions of gallons of water stored in Lake Powell each year through evaporation and leakage.
- An updated study of these issues will give us the information we need to best manage the precious water resources in the Colorado River system.
The following bills (like AB 206 at the top) have been exempted from deadlines to allow their committees to iron out wrinkles: Supporting them is difficult, as we don’t know how the language is changing, or if … we’re waiting for them to pass to the next house, where we can assess and address any changes.
AB 270 – Revises provisions governing net metering. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill makes changes to energy law as it pertains to net metering, undoing the legislation from last session that opened the door to the December 2015 Public Utilities Commission (PUCN) decision that effectively ended the ability for Nevadans to install rooftop solar.
- Net metering allows rooftop solar customers to use clean energy to power their own homes or businesses, and then receive fair credit on their utility bills for the extra electricity they send back to the grid for neighbors to use. It empowers consumers to produce their own solar power.
- Restoring Nevada’s net metering program will clear the way for Nevada families and businesses to choose solar energy and to support local clean energy. Will remain in Assembly Commerce & Labor
AB 405 – Establishes certain protections for and ensures the rights of a person who uses renewable energy in this State. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill enacts consumer protections for customers that use renewable energy such as rooftop solar. These protections deal with the nature of lease and purchase contracts and the rights of self-generators to be able to connect their systems and receive fair value for their energy.
- Nevadans have made it clear that they want access to renewable energy, and want to be able to do so at their homes and businesses. This bill will ensure that they are protected from any bad actors.
- Exempted to remain in Assembly Commerce & Labor Committee.
SB 74 – Allows for the collection of domestic rain water and water for wildlife water developments (“guzzlers”); also authorizes the State Water Engineer to create an Advisory Committee on Water Conservation and Drought. POSITION – SUPPORT
- The rainwater collection portion of this bill and AB 138 will need to be reconciled.
SB 392 – Revises provisions relating to energy. POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill allows for the creation of community solar gardens, which allow for small groups of friends and neighbors to join together on a solar array that can offset each of their electricity bills.
- The bill also creates and funds a program to allow for lower-income Nevadans to participate.
- It was voted out of Commerce Labor and Energy; is likely moving to the Senate Finance Committee.