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Chispa NV and NCL Statement on Governor Vetoing Bills Increasing Renewable Energy

Jun 17, 2017

Rudy Zamora, 702-724-5386 | Andy Maggi, 503-720-4185

Carson City, NV – This evening Governor Sandoval vetoed Assembly Bill 206 which would have increased Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard to 40 percent by 2030. In response, Chispa Nevada and Nevada Conservation League issued the following statements:

“We are deeply disappointed that Governor Sandoval chose to veto legislation that would have made Nevada an emerging leader in clean energy and an advocate for working class families who support a clean energy economy,” said Rudy Zamora, director of Chispa Nevada, a program of the League of Conservation Voters. “Assembly Bill 206 was supported by 84 percent of Nevadans of color. Missing the opportunity to put thousands of people to work, while helping families to save money on energy bills, once again puts polluters first – allowing Nevada to continue exporting most of its energy from out-of-state fossil fuels. Our communities deserve better.”

“We are extremely disappointed that Governor Sandoval chose to veto AB206 instead of supporting Nevada’s workers, consumers, voters, and environment,” said Andy Maggi, Executive Director of the Nevada Conservation League (NCL). “This decision could have a chilling effect on the production of clean energy in Nevada. Leaders in the legislature put forward a reasonable policy that through expanding Nevada’s clean energy requirement would have created tens of thousands of jobs, spurred billions of dollars of new investment in the state, and reduced carbon pollution.

Instead of moving forward and reclaiming our national leadership on clean energy the Governor has chosen to ignore the overwhelming support of Nevada’s voters for this policy and let other states gain the benefits of investment in a robust clean energy economy. We’re committed to continuing to work with legislative leaders and other stakeholders to ensure Nevada continue to move forward to grow our clean energy economy, including overriding the Governor’s veto in 2019.”

Governor Sandoval also vetoed Senate Bill 392, which would have allowed community solar gardens in Nevada. Chispa Nevada Director Rudy Zamora issued the following statement:

“SB 392 would have expanded access to solar energy to the neighborhoods most affected by pollution and high energy costs, so it is extremely disappointing that Governor Sandoval denied Latinos and communities of color that opportunity today,” said Zamora. “This veto does not take away from the tremendous work Nevadans of color did this Session to advance clean energy priorities for our communities. We will continue holding decision makers like Governor Sandoval accountable and organizing to unlock access to clean and affordable energy for all Nevadans.”

Chispa Nevada is a community organizing program of the League of Conservation Voters. Chispa builds the capacity of Latinos and families to influence policy makers and pressure polluters to protect communities’ rights to clean air and water, healthy neighborhoods, and a safe climate for generations to come.

The Nevada Conservation League is the independent political voice of Nevada’s conservation community. NCL works to maintain and enhance the natural character of Nevada and the quality of life for Nevada’s families through effective advocacy, the election of pro-conservation candidates and building collaboration. The Nevada Conservation League is a partner of the national League of Conservation Voters.