Sierra Club Applauds Nevada’s Commitment to 100 Percent Clean Electricity

CARSON CITY, NV—Today, with a unanimous Assembly vote, the Nevada state legislature passed Senate Bill 358, a bill that ensures electricity providers meet of 50 percent of customer needs with renewable electricity statewide by 2030 and 100 percent clean energy by 2050.

The bill, first introduced in March, unanimously passed the state Senate earlier this week. It now heads to the desk of Governor Steve Sisolak to be signed into law.

Nevada will become the fourth state and sixth state-level jurisdiction to join California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. in committing to 100 percent clean electricity. Several other states, including Illinois, Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts, are also considering bills targeting a 100 percent clean electricity. Washington State’s Senate is reviewing its 100 percent clean electricity bill currently, slated for a final vote next week.

Sierra Club joins major Nevada businesses, labor unions, and a broad coalition of environmental, economic, and social justice groups in supporting this bill. Increasing the state’s RPS to 50 percent will spur additional investments and innovation in Nevada’s clean energy sector, which employs more than 32,000 Nevadans. The new standard will also reduce utilities’ reliance on fossil fuels, save customers money, curtail air pollution, and improve public health. Nevada voters overwhelmingly approved a similar ballot initiative to establish a 50 percent RPS during the 2018 midterm elections.

In response, Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, issued the following statement:

"Clean energy keeps on winning -- even without the Trump Administration. Nevada is assuming the mantle of climate leadership with this bold bill and paving the way to a future that's free of fossil fuels. This is the level of ambition we need. Nevada joins a growing cohort of states that are setting the bar, and will show others how to lead with a vision of clean, healthy, and affordable energy for all, even when the federal government won't. Congratulations to all Nevadans and Gov. Sisolak for this monumental achievement."

Brian Beffort, chapter director of the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter, issued the following:

“This a proud day for all Nevadans. Our legislators are once again making Nevada a leader in renewable energy. Nevada’s communities and voters have spoken out in support of moving away from dirty fuels in order to have clean air and water, healthy communities, a stronger economy, and to do our part to mitigate climate disruption which affects us all.  Today we’re one step closer to that future -- I look forward to continuing to work with Nevada communities and state leaders to ensure our energy transition lifts up everyone across our state.”

Elspeth Dimarzio, representative with the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign in Nevada, issued the following:

“The passage of Senate Bill 358 is a huge step towards reinventing power in the state, and moves us toward a future of clean energy. Over the last few years, Nevada has closed or scheduled to decommission two of three coal plants and is building new solar, geothermal, and battery storage infrastructure. Our state has been making large strides towards embracing the environmental, economic, and health benefits of renewable energy, and today’s vote shows the rest of the country that we are leaders for a greener, cleaner, and healthier future.”