Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Regulation  -  November 27, 2019

Nevada to require emissions reduction plan

The governor of Nevada signed an executive order Nov. 22 that requires state agencies, specifically the transportation sector, to submit a strategy for reducing greenhouse gases by December 1, 2020, in line with the energy commitments the state has previously set.

The bill outlines previous initiatives that the state has rolled out, including joining the U.S. Climate Alliance in March and in April committing to generating 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050 through SB 358.

In the order, Gov. Steve Sisolak calls for an annual inventory and projection of greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity production and transportation sectors every fourth year. The sectors that fall under these requirements include industry, commercial and residential, agriculture, and land use and forestry.

The executive order calls for these reports from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to include a statement of policy options needed to reach state-wide emission reduction goals as outlined in SB 254, which calls for the reduction below 2005 levels by 45% before 2030.

According to Utility Dive, the executive order enjoys public support from groups including Western Resources Advocates, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and Southwest Energy Efficiency.

“With this executive order, Gov. Sisolak has once again shown leadership in moving Nevada toward an advanced energy future,” Sarah Steinberg, Policy Principal for Nevada at AEE, said in a statement. “It will be a catalyst for in-state advanced energy projects, and will benefit all Nevadans by expanding economic development in communities while making the state’s electricity and transportation systems cleaner and more efficient. AEE and its member companies stand ready to work with the Administration to achieve the goals outlined in this executive order.”

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