You helped make a difference for the environment at the Nevada Legislature!
The 2019 Nevada Legislature is now over. What a difference an election can make! The environmental champions you helped elect in 2018 passed a raft of good bills to protect clean air & water, public lands, wildlife, public health and to make Nevada leader in the renewable energy economy. Your democratic voices made a difference. Here's a run-down of how the session went:
2019 Legislation
Updated on June 5, 2019
Bills that have passed and been signed into law!!
SB 358 – To Increase Nevada’s Clean Energy to at least 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050
This was a priority for Sierra Club. Picture in your mind us doing a very happy dance!!
Please click here to send Governor Sisolak a thank you note for being a renewable energy champion!
The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in this bill would require all Nevada energy producers to provide at least 50% of all energy they create or purchase from renewable sources by 2030, and it sets a goal of 100% carbon free energy by 2050. This policy has already received overwhelming support by Nevadans, both at the ballot box (Question 6 in the 2018 elections) and in our legislative chambers. Raising our state’s RPS to at least 50% by 2030 will:
-
Allow Nevada to take advantage of our abundance of solar, geothermal and wind energy sources. Nevada has very little in the way of traditional fossil fuel resources.
-
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;
-
Address two global problems: climate change and income inequality. An equitable transition to renewable energy can heal our environment while creating “green collar jobs.”
-
Save Nevada money on healthcare costs, lost days at work, and lost productivity by reducing pollutants that cause asthma and other illnesses that have long term effects on Nevadans’ health.
-
Re-establish Nevada as a leader in the clean energy economy by creating thousands of jobs and investing more than $300 billion in our state’s economy.
-
Help us reduce the more than $1 billion Nevada spends on out-of-state natural gas and fossil fuels for electricity each year, which pollute our air and harm our health and move us closer to a state powered by clean energy. Adding in fuel for gasoline-powered cars and industrial energy use brings that amount to $4.5 billion each year. Let’s spend that money instead on local jobs, local production, and keep that money in our local economy instead.
++++++++
SB 254 —The Carbon Bill. Relating to greenhouse gas emissions; requiring the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to issue an annual report concerning greenhouse gas emissions in this State
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This legislation requires the Division of Environmental Protection to annually create an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and develop strategies to reduce Nevada’s greenhouse gas emissions 28% by 2025 and 45% by 2030, from a 2005 baseline.
-
As amended, the legislation also calls for the executive branch to assess whether the above strategies will result in zero or near zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
-
Climate change is already affecting Nevada and it threatens the health, lives and safety of Nevada's residents, as well as Nevada's diverse ecosystems, wildlands and wildlife.
-
This bill will allow Nevada to start to act on climate change, improving public health, creating economic opportunities and protecting our priceless landscapes.
-
It’s time to act. Our planet’s disrupted climate threatens every human in one way or another from rising sea levels, droughts, heat waves, severe storms and decreasing agricultural productivity, wildfires, disease, declining snowpack and water availability, the rise of climate refugees and regional conflicts over declining resources.
-
In facing this challenge, the axiom “think globally, act locally” is accurate. We don’t have much control over the actions of China, India, Brasil, or even our own federal government. But we can act to address our greenhouse gas contributions right here in Nevada.
-
This bill takes an important first step of reducing our contribution to the challenge by identifying the sources of our emissions locally, and, most important, by requiring that policies to achieve reductions be identified.
Read the Toiyabe Chapter's testimony here.
+++++++
SB299 – Revises provisions relating to the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration Program.
POSITION – SUPPORT -- Passed both houses and waiting for Sisolak's signature!
- As amended, this bill amends the existing program to allow for the purchase of electric school buses as an allowable activity.
- More than half of air pollution in Nevada comes from the transportation sector, and diesel school buses are often in the neighborhoods that we all live in. Moving our school buses to electric will start to clean up our air, and kids on and near them will be the first to feel the benefits.
+++++++
AB465 – Expanded Solar Access. Requiring utilities to offer affordable solar programs to those who can't can't afford solar panels.
POSITION – SUPPORT
This is an opportunity to expand the benefits of solar energy to those who cannot afford their own panels, who have a shaded roof, or are renters. This bill also contains a provision for apprenticeships, workforce training and other job opportunities to expand access to solar jobs.
-
As amended, this bill creates an expanded solar access program, which allows for certain customers of a utility to choose to source their energy from a mix of small & large scale solar resources secured by that utility.
-
This bill will expand solar resources in lower-income neighborhoods and offer the opportunity for low-income customers to get bill savings from solar.
-
This bill would also create a workforce-development and apprenticeship program to help workers learn the skills needed to succeed in Nevada's new renewable-energy economy;
Learn more about Community Solar here. In English and Spanish.
+++++++
AB 84 – Provides funding to protect, preserve and protect natural and cultural resources of the State of Nevada.
POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill requires the State Board of Finance to issue $217,000,000 in bonds to allow for habitat restoration, land acquisition and other project to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, and outdoor recreation opportunities. When it passed in 2002, Q1 was very successful.
- The bill allocates specific proceeds to various state and local governmental entities, such as the Department of Wildlife and Division of State Parks, for specific programs and projects.
++++++++
SB 458 – Makes an appropriation for the creation and maintenance of school gardens.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill appropriates $615,000 over the next biennium to be made available to schools to implement school gardens.
-
In our increasingly digital society, it's important to have programs in place that encourage kids to get outside, experience the natural world and support local food chains.
Read the Toiyabe Chapter's testimony here.
+++++++
AB486 — To Create a Division of Outdoor Recreation within the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill recognizes the importance of the outdoor recreation industry in our state by creating the Division of Outdoor Recreation.
-
The Division will promote the growth of a sustainable outdoor recreation economy in Nevada that supports economic growth alongside stewardship and conservation of the resource.
-
The Division will also spotlight recreational opportunities for Nevadans and work to connect residents to these areas.
++++++++
SB 140 – Revises provisions relating to the appropriation of water in certain basins.
POSITION – SUPPORT
- In hydrographic basins where there is still water available for appropriation, this bill would reserve 10% of the total amount of water available in the basin. This amount would not be available for appropriation.
- In these basins, this bill will ensure that there is a buffer amount of water to maintain environmental function in the area.
++++++++
AB163 – Revising certain requirements relating to a plan of water conservation; revising minimum standards for plumbing fixtures in new construction and renovations in certain structures.
POSITION – SUPPORT
- We live in a desert. Climate change is already limiting both surface and groundwater supplies in our state. This trend will continue and grow as the Earth continues to warm.
- This bill required much needed indoor water conservation in new homes and buildings, and also when homes and buildings are renovated or expanded, beginning January 1, 2020.
- Water conserving fixtures, including things like faucets, showerheads, and toilets, that bear the EPA WaterSense certification will be required. A large selection, in all price ranges, is readily available in local hardware stores.
++++++++
SB178 – Creates the Council on Food Security and the Food for People, Not Landfills Program.
POSITION – SUPPORT
In 2014 Americans discarded the equivalent of $165 billion worth of food each year (up to 40% of the food we grow), much of which ended up rotting in landfills as the single largest component of U.S. municipal solid waste and a substantial portion of U.S. methane emissions. Reducing food losses by just 15 percent would provide enough food to feed more than 25 million Americans every year at a time when one in six Americans suffer from food insecurity. The Sierra Club supports SB178.
Growing all this wasted food is a waste of water and soil. It also unnecessarily poisons our environment and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution from the fossil fuels used for farming and transport, and from the other chemicals (pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers) to grow food that's only going to get thrown away.
From an equity perspective, all people have a right to access healthy food.
Sierra Club’s mission is to help people explore, enjoy and protect the planet. But how can they do any of this if they’re hungry?
+++++++
AB93 – Tahoe Grant Funding. Allows nonprofit organizations to receive grants from the Tahoe license plate program.
POSITION – SUPPORT
- This bill allows for grants from the Lake Tahoe license plate account to Support of the Preservation and Restoration of the Natural Environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin to also be allocated to nonprofit organizations.
- This recognizes that nonprofit organizations are well-positioned to implement programs to protect the natural environment in the Lake Tahoe basin.
++++++++
SB 428 – Revises provisions relating to transportation.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill makes it illegal to park a vehicle in a parking space designated for charging electric or hybrid electric vehicles unless the vehicle is being charged at the charging station (some people with non-electric vehicles target those sites out of spite).
-
This is a common sense bill to continue to advance the adoption of electric vehicles.
++++++++
SB 136 – Revises the provisions of the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill makes changes to the board of the Tahoe Transportation District by replacing three existing seats with an appointee each from the Governors of Nevada & California and a member of the Governing Board of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
-
Transportation and traffic issues have a significant impact on the water quality of Lake Tahoe. This bill ensures a statewide voice and involvement with Tahoe transportation issues as we work to reduce vehicle traffic and pollution in the basin.
++++++++
AB205 – would require school districts to use alternative options before using pesticides at schools, and it would require school district staff to become trained in Integrated Pest Management.
POSITION – SUPPORT
There are too many reports and lawsuits (and more lawsuits) that say pesticides are dangerous to pollinators and people.
Our children, school workers, pollinators and flowering plants deserve the protections AB205 would provide.
Learn more about Integrated Pest Management here.
+++++++
AB377 – Revises provisions governing weight limits on certain vehicles.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill increases the weight limit for electric trucks, allowing electric trucks to operate on our roads.
-
Electrifying the trucking sector will dramatically reduce pollution and is an important part of Nevada lowering our carbon footprint.
+++++++
AB54 – Revises certain provisions relating to energy efficiency.
POSITION – SUPPORT -- Passed both houses. Now waiting for Governor's signature.
-
As amended, this bill sets minimum efficiency standards for light bulbs.
-
With the prospect of minimum standards on the federal level being repealed, this bill is an important backstop to ensure that Nevadans continue to have access to the cheapest and most efficient technology.
+++++++
SCR5 – Expresses support for the role of science in the Lake Tahoe Basin and recognizes the role of the Tahoe Bi-State Executive Committee and the Tahoe Science Advisory Council in guiding environmental preservation, protection, restoration and enhancement efforts in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
POSITION – SUPPORT -- Passed both houses and enrolled. No signature required by Governor.
-
This resolution recognizes the efforts of the various councils & committees in the Lake Tahoe basin working on protecting and restoring the environment of Lake Tahoe.
-
Because, apparently in this day and age, it's important to emphasize the value of science in making resource-management decisions.
++++++++
SB454 — Wildlife vs. Drones. Making it unlawful to harass any game mammal or game bird or to engage in certain other activities relating to wildlife using a manned or unmanned aircraft.
POSITION – SUPPORT
Existing law makes it unlawful for a person to harass any game mammals or game birds using an aircraft. This bill would expand the definition of aircraft to include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's), aka drones.
++++++++
SB250 – Revises provisions relating to the dedication of water rights.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
Under existing law, developers must dedicate a water right in order to have a parcel map approved in certain parts of the state. As amended, this bill will require that these rights stay dedicated for this purpose.
-
The reason for the existing requirement is to ensure that there is enough water to serve the need and is a safeguard against overly stressing water resources.
-
If a local government can sell or lease this right, the requirement is undermined and the water resource could suffer.
++++++++
AB220 – Requires the issuance of bonds for environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill requires the issuance of $8 million dollars in general obligation bonds for Nevada’s share of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP);
-
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.
+++++++
AB353 – Revises provisions governing the disposition of certain types of materials and waste produced by certain governmental entities.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill requires Legislative Counsel Bureau, state agencies, school districts and the Nevada System of Higher Education to recycle electronic products, and requires the proceeds that LCB receives to be used to carry out the program.
-
Nevada already has requirements that these agencies recycle paper products. Requiring the recycling of electronic products will keep dangerous materials out of our landfills and reduce the amount of raw materials needed for new products.
+++++++
SB316 – Revises provisions governing actions relating to state lands.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill mirrors existing federal penalties for illegally blocking access to public land in our state statutes.
-
All Nevadans have the right to access our public lands. This bill will create a deterrent to keep overzealous property owners from denying access to public lands.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Resolutions that passed and now express the will of Nevada
AJR3 — Expresses support for the Nevada Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan and the Nevada Conservation Credit System and urges the United States Bureau of Land Management to require compensatory mitigation to offset anthropogenic disturbances in accordance with the Nevada Conservation Credit System.
This resolution is in response to impact of the federal government's "Energy First" policy on sage grouse habitats and populations.
POSITION – SUPPORT
++++++++
AJR8 – Expresses the opposition of the Nevada Legislature to the elimination of the Nevada State Office of the Bureau of Land Management.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
The Department of the Interior has announced a reorganization plan that would result in Nevada being split into two regions and would likely eliminate the Nevada office of the Bureau of Land Management. This reorganization was recommended by then-Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, who left that position amid numerous scandals. This recommendation should be dropped as he was.
-
Due to the vast amount of land managed by the BLM in Nevada, it is crucial that our state have a good working relationship with the agency. Eliminating the Nevada office would reduce coordination and cooperation between the BLM and our state & local governments. And it would reduce the on-the-ground knowledge and experience the BLM has when considering actions in Nevada.
Read the Toiyabe Chapter's testimony here.
+++++++
SJR7 — Expresses support for finding innovative transportation solutions in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
POSITION – SUPPORT
To find solutions to the environmental impacts of 10 million automobiles driving in the Tahoe basin each year.
-
This resolution recognizes the efforts of the Bi-State Working Group on Transportation, a broad group of stakeholders working on transportation solutions in the Lake Tahoe basin.
-
Reducing automobile use in the Lake Tahoe basin will help the economy by improving the overall visitor experience and helps the environmental by reducing pollution that ends up in the lake.
++++++++
SCR1 – Directs the Legislative Committee on Energy to conduct an interim study concerning the development of renewable energy and clean energy resources in NV.
POSITION – SUPPORT
- This interim study will help identify many resources, in addition to solar, that have not yet been fully explored: energy efficiency, geothermal, low-temperature geothermal, waste heat to power, combined heat and power, energy storage technologies and other clean energy resources.
- SCR1 encourages the partnership with the Nevada System of Higher Education to examine ways to improve the training of workers in the renewable energy industry, including, without limitation, ways to improve the training of workers to develop, construct, improve, maintain and repair renewable energy facilities and systems and the components of those facilities and systems.
++++++++
AJR 1 – Expresses objection to the transfer of radioactive plutonium to this State.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This resolution is in response to the US Department of Energy secretly shipping radioactive plutonium to Nevada against our wishes.
-
The transportation of highly radioactive, weapons-grade plutonium to Nevada poses serious and unacceptable risks to the environment, the economy, and the public health to the residents of Nevada.
++++++++
AJR 2 – Both urge Congress to oppose the expansion of the United States Air Force in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
These resolutions are in response to US Air Force efforts to expand the Nevada Test and Training Range further into the Desert National Wildlife Refuge.
-
The Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest wildlife refuge in the contiguous United States and contains some of the best habitat for our state animal, the Desert Bighorn Sheep.
-
The proposed expansion threatens habitat for numerous species, threatens important cultural resources and threatens existing public access.
-
This resolution makes it clear that the State of Nevada opposes the alternatives currently on the table for potential expansion and encourages a process that protects wildlife habitat, cultural resources & public access.
-
This is related to our fight against a proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. The more we turn Nevada into a bombed-out wasteland, the more likely it will be that we start receiving hazardous waste from elsewhere. Conversely, the more our public lands and open spaces are respected for their inherent ecological, recreational and aesthetic values, the more likely we’ll be able to keep such waste out of our state.
++++++++
SJR4 – Expresses the support of the NV Legislature for certain federal legislation relating to the conservation of wildlife in the State.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
The bill expresses support for the Recovering America's Wildlife Act that would provide dedicated methods of funding to support:
-
Conservation of wildlife in the state,
-
State matching funds if a dedicated method of federal funding is obtained for the conservation of wildlife in the state, and
-
To carry out the Wildlife Action Plan of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, which focuses on building resilience in wildlife populations and habitats in the face of climate change.
++++++++
AJR7 – Urges Congress to oppose the proposed expansion of the Fallon Naval Air Station over more than 600,000 acres of public lands in northern Nevada.
POSITION – SUPPORT
Read the Toiyabe Chapter's testimony in support here.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bills that died
AB 30 - Revises provisions governing the appropriation and management of water.
POSITION – OPPOSE
These bills will undermine Nevada water law and aid the Southern Nevada Water Authority in its effort to pump 58 billion gallons of water annually from Eastern Nevada and send it to Las Vegas via a 300-mile, $15.5 billion pipeline. The bills will empower deep-pocketed interests, and endanger our scarce water resources, wildlife and wild places. According to the BLM, SNWA’s plan will destroy 305 springs, 112 miles of streams, 8,000 acres of wetlands, and 191,000 acres of shrubland habitat in the heart of the Great Basin.
AB30 would cripple the bedrock foundations of Nevada water law and diminish protections for senior rights holders by giving the State Engineer an expanded ability to grant permits for water in the nation’s driest state. Currently, a State Engineer cannot grant a permit to an entity that wants water when that request conflicts with someone who has existing water rights.This bill scoots around that provision and gives entities –– most of whom will likely be powerful, deep-pocketed interests –– the ability to get water that they currently cannot have.
That’s bad for all living things in Nevada –– wildlife, their habitats, and our communities.
Take Action Here to Oppose AB30.
++++++++
SB96 – Creates the NV Public Lands Grant Program with the Conservation and Natural Resources Department to award grants to certain local government and organizations to be used as matching funds required to secure federal grants for projects related to public lands issues.
POSITION – SUPPORT
- Finding non-federal funds to match federal grant opportunities has been a barrier to receiving federal grants in the past. This program will help to secure local funding sources to provide the necessary match for federal grants.
- Numerous “shovel-ready” projects could potentially be realized to benefit habitat and clean water.
++++++++
AB331 —To Create the Nevada Outdoor Recreation and Grant Program.
POSITION – SUPPORT
The Outdoor Recreation and Grant Program would:
-
Enable pupils to experience directly the natural world;
-
Integrate that experience with exposure to matters concerning the environment, agriculture or natural resources or other related matters;
-
Be designed to improve the pupils’ overall academic performance and other personal attributes; and
-
Be primarily focused on pupils who are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or at risk of failing academically or dropping out of school.
-
Nevada has incredible outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning landscapes open to everyone. This program will help students learn about these issues and create advocates for our public lands.
++++++++
SB310 – Enacts provisions requiring the payment of deposits and refunds on certain beverage containers sold in this State.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
As amended, this bill allows for a local government to institute a pilot program of container deposits to increase recycling rates in our state.
-
Container deposit laws have been instituted in many other states and are a proven, effective way of recycling individual beverage containers.
-
Individual beverage containers comprise about 40-60% of litter. This bill will clean up our roadways and public places.
++++++++
SB 338 – Makes various changes relating to the regulation of fireworks.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
As amended, this bill sets a minimum state standard for the regulation of fireworks, but allows for local governments to have a more stringent standard.
-
It would require a person to reimburse the State Fire Marshal under certain circumstances for the improper storage or use of fireworks
-
Irresponsible use of fireworks can cause wildfires which can burn scenic landscapes and negatively affect wildlife habitat. Personal use of fireworks should be held to a high standard.
++++++++
AB 265 – Requires the Desert Research Institute to conduct a study concerning water treatment and recycling.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill will require a study on many issues important to the status of Nevada’s most limited resource. These include water treatment, water recycling, desalinization and impact on the environment.
-
The Legislature has done multiple interim studies on water issues of the last few decades. Having the Desert Research Institute look at the issue will bring a much-needed scientific perspective.
+++++++
AB160 – Revises provisions governing the Commission on Tourism.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill makes changes to the Commission on Tourism by adding two members with experience in ecotourism.
-
This is an idea that is long overdue. The outdoor recreation economy in Nevada alone generates $12.6 billion in consumer spending annually and supports 87,000 direct jobs.
-
This bill recognizes the value of Nevada’s stunning landscapes, varied wildlife, and recreation opportunities in driving visitors to our state.
+++++++
AB473 – Makes it illegal for any person to set a leg-hold trap to hunt any wild animal.
POSITION – SUPPORT
The Sierra Club considers body-gripping, restraining and killing traps and snares to be ecologically indiscriminate and unnecessarily inhumane and therefore opposes their use. The Sierra Club promotes and supports humane, practical and effective methods of mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and actively discourages the use of inhumane and indiscriminate methods.
++++++++
SB168 — Reduces energy efficiency standards for residences with an on-site renewable energy system.
POSITION – OPPOSE
-
Rolls back energy efficiency code requirements for newly constructed homes to 2009 levels, as long as on-site renewable energy systems (like solar panels) are present;
-
This means developers can save money by building homes that are less insulated — colder in winter, and hotter in summer. This shifts costs to the home buyers, who have to pay more for heat (if natural gas) and pay more for solar panels to generate even more electricity to power a less-efficient home.
-
Instead of rolling back building codes, we need to make them stronger. We need to move in the direction more-efficient homes that require less energy to heat and cool, not allow homes that waste more energy.
Read the Toiyabe Chapter's testimony here.
++++++++
AB 51 - Revises provisions governing the appropriation and management of water.
POSITION – OPPOSE
- AB51: The bill upends the tenets of Western water law by undermining the Prior Appropriations doctrine and violating the U.S. Constitution’s Taking’s Clause. The bill will attack Nevadans’ property rights (water rights are property rights), incentivize monetary payoffs to approve water permits, and validate unsound mitigation schemes in order to compensate those whose property is being taken –– all of which threaten the public interest, the rule of law, and our environment.
++++++++
SB487 — AN ACT relating to coyotes, making it unlawful to conduct or participate in competitions in which coyotes are taken; requiring a person to transport a coyote that is injured during the course of such a competition to a veterinarian under certain circumstances, providing a penalty and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
POSITION - SUPPORT
++++++++
SB420 — Allows for the creation of small microgrids.
POSITION — SUPPORT
-
This bill would allow for a small group of homes using renewable energy to operate off-grid;
-
This concept is an innovative idea to get more energy from renewable sources and research ways to make our energy system more resilient. It's also a necessary next step to more distributed renewable energy generation;
++++++++
AB474— Wildlife Heritage Account.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This bill allows for money in the Wildlife Heritage Account to be expended to benefit wildlife and their habitat, along with creating a program to transfer a tag to non-profit organizations that serve disabled individuals or youth.
-
The Wildlife Heritage Account is a public private partnership that generates nearly a million dollars per year to benefit wildlife and their habitat. This bill will allow for more funding to be used for projects like fire restoration.
++++++++
SJR 3 – Urges Congress to oppose the expansion of the United States Air Force in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada.
POSITION – SUPPORT
-
This resolution is in response to US Air Force efforts to expand the Nevada Test and Training Range further into the Desert National Wildlife Refuge.
-
The Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest wildlife refuge in the contiguous United States and contains some of the best habitat for our state animal, the Desert Bighorn Sheep.
-
The proposed expansion threatens habitat for numerous species, threatens important cultural resources and threatens existing public access.
-
This resolution makes it clear that the State of Nevada opposes the alternatives currently on the table for potential expansion and encourages a process that protects wildlife habitat, cultural resources & public access.
-
This is related to our fight against a proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. The more we turn Nevada into a bombed-out wasteland, the more likely it will be that we start receiving hazardous waste from elsewhere. Conversely, the more our public lands and open spaces are respected for their inherent ecological, recreational and aesthetic values, the more likely we’ll be able to keep such waste out of our state.
Thanks for participating in Democracy!
Please click here to support Toiyabe Chapter's legislative work in the future.