Senate Bill 358 into law was passed unanimously by the Nevada Senate and Assembly and became law yesterday signed by Governor Steve Sisolak. It follows a state ballot initiative that passed last November, which would have set the same standards, but required another vote in 2020 to take effect.
“Renewable energy is a major cornerstone of my economic development plan, and this bill will put Nevada back on the path toward renewable energy leadership on a nationwide level and continue to bring well-paying jobs to our communities” Governor Sisolak said. “Nevada sent a message to the country and world that the Silver State is open for business as a renewable leader, and our commitment to growing our clean energy economy transcends party lines.”
Nevada first enacted a renewable portfolio standard, or RPS, in 1997, becoming the second state in the nation to commit to a target for renewable energy development. By raising Nevada’s RPS to require 50 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable sources by the year 2030, Nevada has embraced one of the highest RPS standards in the country.
Increasing Nevada’s RPS brings a multitude of economic benefits to the state. Through the Governor’s Office of Energy’s Renewable Energy Tax Abatement Programme, the state has seen roughly 45 renewable energy projects developed. These projects power Nevada’s homes and businesses while creating 8,600 construction jobs and bringing nearly $8 billion in capital investment to all corners of the state.
Nevada’s clean energy jobs totaled more than 32,000 at the end of 2018. By some estimates, meeting the targets of Nevada’s new RPS could support an additional 11,170 full-time jobs by 2030 and generate $539 million in wages and $1.5 billion in economic activity.
“Nevada joins a growing list of states heeding the wishes of voters to prioritise clean, renewable power” added ACORE’s President and CEO Gregory Wetstone. “This initiative will reduce emissions, save consumers money, and provide Nevadans with plenty of local, good-paying jobs. We applaud Governor Sisolak and the state lawmakers who championed this bill for their leadership, and look forward to the cleaner future that awaits the Silver State.”
Last month, Governor Sisolak announced that Nevada had joined the US Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Increasing Nevada’s RPS will reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in support of the Climate Alliance’s goals.
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