Nevada’s State Climate Strategy Signals Need for More Ambitious Policies to Curb Pollution

(Reno, NV – December 2, 2020) Yesterday, the Nevada Climate Initiative released its inaugural State Climate Strategy, detailing the threats from climate change in the state of Nevada. The strategy includes policy recommendations to reduce climate emissions from key sectors, but critically, also recognizes the need to consider an enforceable cap on emissions to ensure that the state meets its greenhouse gas reduction goals: achieving 28% below 2005 levels by 2025; 45% below 2005 levels by 2030; and net-zero by 2050.

“This report is an important step forward in the fight against climate change in Nevada, and it also clearly illustrates the need for more ambitious action to cut harmful climate and air pollution that is straining Nevadans’ health and economy.

“Importantly, the report presents a strong pathway forward for policy action, recognizing the need for an enforceable cap on pollution — which can be achieved with a flexible, market-based approach that incentivizes businesses to curb pollution. This approach is a critical piece in a suite of policies necessary for meeting the state’s climate goals, and it should be designed to lift up the communities most burdened by climate impacts and air pollution.

“Now, the state will need to double-down on developing a market-based approach and complementary policies that can actually curb pollution at the pace and scale required. With rising heat and severe droughts threatening the state’s future, Nevada leaders must get serious about swiftly delivering a concrete policy framework that can protect Nevadans from the worst climate impacts.”

• Katelyn Roedner Sutter, Manager for U.S. Climate at Environmental Defense Fund.