Governor signs directive to align state agencies in pursuit of commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand advanced energy
CARSON CITY, NV, November 22, 2019 — Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) applauded Governor Steve Sisolak for signing Executive Order 2019-22. The executive order directs state agencies to develop a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the highest emitting sectors. It also seeks to better align existing agency efforts under the state’s clean energy and climate commitments, including newly increased renewable energy requirements and efforts to bolster in-state energy production and advanced energy deployment.
“With this executive order, Gov. Sisolak has once again shown leadership in moving Nevada toward an advanced energy future,” said Sarah Steinberg, Policy Principal for Nevada at AEE. “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.”
The advanced energy industry employs nearly 34,000 people in Nevada today, surpassing jobs in gaming as well as mining and oil and gas extraction. This number is poised to grow with strong state leadership.
“Governor Sisolak’s order will help take Nevada to the next level in adoption of advanced energy technologies – ranging from energy efficiency to electric vehicles – that not only have significant environmental benefits, but also bring to Nevadans jobs and millions of dollars of investments by technology and other companies,” said Chris King, Chief Policy Officer, Siemens eMobility.
“EDF Renewables supports Governor Sisolak’s leadership to further Nevada’s commitment for a clean energy economy,” said Virinder Singh, Vice President of Regulatory & Legislative Affairs, EDF Renewables. “As a leading renewable project developer with over 2 gigawatts of solar in development throughout the state, we look forward to contributing to the Governor's ambitions of decarbonization, efficiency and electrification.”
Over the past several years, AEE has worked alongside lawmakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to help accelerate the growth of Nevada's advanced energy economy. Last fall, AEE and our member businesses sat down with Democratic nominee Steve Sisolak and his campaign staff to talk about the growth of the advanced energy industry, workforce development opportunities, and how Nevada can continue attracting businesses to the Silver State. The Governor is following up on his stated desire at the time to make Nevada a national advanced energy leader. In May, the Governor signed a new, stronger clean energy standard into law. The bill, SB 358, sponsored by Sen. Chris Brooks, doubles the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), to 50% by the year 2030, passed both houses of the legislature without a single no vote.
About Advanced Energy Economy
Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) is a national association of businesses that are making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy encompasses a broad range of products and services that constitute the best available technologies for meeting energy needs today and tomorrow. AEE’s mission is to transform public policy to enable rapid growth of advanced energy businesses. Engaged at the federal level and in more than a dozen states around the country, AEE represents more than 100 companies in the $238 billion U.S. advanced energy industry, which employs 3.5 million U.S. workers. Learn more at www.aee.net and follow the latest industry news @AEEnet.