Nevada Assembly Passes Legislation to Increase the Renewable Portfolio Standard

On May 24th, the Nevada Assembly passed Assembly Bill 206 to increase the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50 percent by 2030 with a goal to reach 80 percent by 2040.

As the cost of renewable energy continues to decline, states that have vast solar, wind, and geothermal potential, like Nevada, have the opportunity to create new jobs, lower utility bills, and end the fossil fuel pollution that endangers our air and water. The passage of AB206 is a big step toward putting Nevada on the map as a clean energy leader for the next several decades.

AB206 passed with a bipartisan vote in the Assembly and had the support of clean energy advocates, environmental groups, the business community, and an endorsement from casino giant MGM Resorts International. The bill is now headed to Nevada’s Senate Commerce, Labor and Energy committee amidst revelations of a desperate dark money effort to undermine the bill’s widespread, bipartisan support, but it won’t work because Nevadans know the value in committing to clean energy.

Elspeth DiMarzio, Sierra Club’s Campaign Representative in Nevada, issued the following statement:

“Increasing our clean energy goals is not a party issue. This is bill for all Nevadans’ which is why it passed with bipartisan support. Nevada’s leaders are serious about making the state a clean energy leader. We have so much clean energy potential and this bill taps into that to create jobs, increase energy security, and protect our air and water. Nevadans now look to the Senate to pass this bill and help the state continue its leadership in clean energy and innovation.”

John Friedrich, a leader of Climate Parents, a program of the Sierra Club, said:

“The Nevada Assembly’s vote to pass the renewable portfolio standard bill is a clear commitment to the Silver State’s future and to making sure our children will have clean air, clean water, and and a strong clean energy economy.”