On Friday, Governor Steve Sisolak signed Executive Order 2019-22 directing his administration, under the leadership of Director Bradley Crowell of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Director David Bobzien of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE), to collaborate with public, private, and tribal partners to help implement and accelerate cutting-edge solutions to advance the State of Nevada’s ambitious climate goals.
The EO directs State of Nevada agencies to identify and evaluate policies and regulatory strategies to achieve the long-term goals of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, as required by Senate Bill 254 and in accordance with Nevada’s commitments as a member of the US Climate Alliance. To help achieve these reduction targets, the administration, led by DCNR and GOE, will coordinate statewide efforts, including the facilitation of agency and stakeholder participation.
In addition to producing reports as required by Senate Bill 254, the Governor’s administration will develop a State Climate Strategy, to be delivered by December 1, 2020, that will include recommendations to reduce carbon pollution from the electricity and transportation sectors, buildings, state operations, and other relevant sectors. “This executive order will ensure Nevada continues to promote ambitious carbon-reduction standards that will help tackle the devastating impacts of climate change while creating good, high-paying jobs for Nevadans,” Gov. Steve Sisolak said. “The impacts of climate change, and a job market that demands renewable energy and other clean technologies, are already here. For the sake of Nevada’s future, and our children’s future, we must take action.”
“As the climate continues to warm, the science community has reported a significant increase in the severity and length of droughts and the frequency and intensity of wildfires,” DCNR Director Bradley Crowell said. “With Nevada being the driest state in the nation, coupled with the risks and realities our State faces from climate change, smart climate solutions are critical to the long-term health and sustainability of our state. Under the Executive Order, we look forward to advancing strategies that reduce Nevada’s climate footprint, promote clean energy, and foster a healthy and sustainable future for all.”
”Pursuing these ambitious emissions reductions goals will require collaboration with local governments, tribal governments, businesses, and stakeholders from all across Nevada,“ GOE Director David Bobzien said. “This Executive Order provides the direction and framework for both combating climate change and realizing the economic opportunities of a decarbonized economy.”
The Governor held the press conference at the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, which has been a leader in investing in electric vehicle technology. The RTC was the first public agency in the State of Nevada to operate electric buses and added 17 to its fleet just last year.
(Office of Governor Sisolak contributed to this report.)
