AEE Congratulates Governor-elect Steve Sisolak, Applauds Passage of Energy-related Measure
Business group says energy played critical role in election as Nevadans selected clean energy champion who embraces economic benefits, and supported increase in renewable standard
LAS VEGAS, November 7, 2018 — Business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) congratulated Governor-elect Steve Sisolak on his victory to lead the state of Nevada. Energy was a key issue throughout the campaign as Governor-elect Sisolak embraced clean energy and called on Nevada to move to 100% renewable energy, rapidly accelerating jobs and investments in clean, affordable, and reliable energy services and technologies in Nevada.
“We congratulate Governor-elect Sisolak on his victory and thank him for making energy a pillar of his campaign with his commitment to making Nevada a national leader on clean energy,” said Ray Fakhoury, State Policy Manager for AEE. “The Governor-elect communicated his plan to leverage energy policy as an economic development tool throughout the campaign — and that message of a clean economy resonated with voters given Nevada’s abundant resources."
"We are excited to get to work to help make these commitments a reality.” added Fakhoury.
Also on the ballot this cycle were two energy-related measures that would amend the state’s constitution to: (1) transition Nevada to a competitive electricity market (Question 3); and (2) increasing the state’s renewable portfolio standards to 50% by 2030 (Question 6). Constitutional amendments in Nevada are required to pass in two consecutive elections in order to be enshrined in the state’s constitution. Question 3 had passed in 2016 while this was the first time Question 6 appeared on the ballot.
Question 6 (to increase the RPS) passed 59%-40% while Question 3 (for a competitive electricity market) failed by a margin of 67%-33%.
“Advanced energy was on the ballot this cycle. And Nevadans voiced their desire to have utilities invest in local jobs and economic growth when they supported increasing the state’s renewable energy standard,” says Fakhoury. “We urge the legislature to take action in the upcoming session to secure the will of the voters and put the state on track to attain these achievable goals.”
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. AEE and its state and regional partner organizations are active in 27 states across the country, representing more than 1,000 companies and organizations in the advanced energy industry. Today, 3.4 million people work in the $200 billion U.S. advanced energy market. Learn more at www.aee.net and track our latest news @AEEnet.