AEE, CEP Praise Passage of Bill that Would Increase
Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard
AB206, a bill to increase Nevada’s renewable portfolio standard, diversify the state’s energy mix, and create billions in market opportunities by 2030, passes the Senate, concurred to in the Assembly and sent to the Governor, business groups say
Carson City, Nev., June 5, 2017—Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and its state partner in Nevada, Clean Energy Project (CEP) praised the Nevada legislature for passing a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) increase to 32% by 2024 and 40% by 2030. The Assembly concurred with the Senate's amended version passed by a 12-9 vote earlier today, and the bill will now be delivered to the Governor. (The Assembly had passed its version by 30-12 on May 24.) This marks the first RPS increase since 2009 when the standard was set at 25% by 2025. The passage of AB206 will ensure Nevada diversifies the state’s energy portfolio, strengthens grid reliability, and spurs billions in investment—expanding on the 28,000 advanced energy jobs already in Nevada.
“For many years, more and more Nevadans have been looking to power their homes and businesses with advanced energy resources to reduce costs and improve reliability,” said J.R. Tolbert, Vice President of State Policy for Advanced Energy Economy. “We now encourage Gov. Sandoval – a strong supporter of advanced energy – to lock in Nevada's position as an advanced energy leader by signing AB206.”
“We applaud Assemblyman Brooks, Chairwoman Bustamante-Adams, Chairman Atkinson, and the Nevada Legislature for their leadership and determination to get AB206 across the finish line, and allow our state to drive its clean energy future forward. We know we need innovative policies in order to attract innovative companies,” said Jennifer Taylor, Clean Energy Project's state policy advisor. “AB206 is an important step forward that could help Governor Sandoval accomplish the vision he had for a new Nevada—becoming a national leader in the production and consumption of renewable energy.”
“By passing AB206, lawmakers are sending a message to businesses across the state and the nation that Nevada is open for business,” added Tolbert. “This allows Nevada to diversify its energy mix and reap the economic gains that come from embracing innovative energy technologies.”
Notable amendments to AB206 (Brooks) include expanding the state’s RPS to 40% by 2030 with interim steps to that final goal, identifying storage as a qualified technology to meet 10% of the RPS by 2030, applying a multiplier to geothermal (x1.5) and energy storage (x2.0) resources, and revising the annual requirement for electricity sold in the state.
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 Partner organizations are active in 27 states across the country, representing more than 1,000 organizations in the advanced energy industry. Learn more: http://www.aee.net @AEEnet
About Clean Energy Project
With deep roots in Nevada’s clean-tech revolution, the Clean Energy Project is Nevada’s premier 501(c)(3) advocacy organization to educate civic, community and business leaders on the importance of smart, forward-looking energy policies that strengthen the State’s economy and improve its environment. CEP is a member of the RenewNV coalition, a partnership of organizations working to build and enhance Nevada’s clean energy economy. Learn more: http://cleanenergyprojectnv.org/.
Media Contacts
AEE: Monique Hanis, mhanis@aee.net, 202-391-0884
CEP: Jennifer Taylor, jtaylor@cepnv.org, 702-987-4556