Nevada commits to 80% renewables by 2040

On Wednesday 24 May, the Nevada Assembly passed a bill to increase the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50 per cent by 2030 with a goal to reach 80 per cent by 2040.

Currently, Nevada plans to have 25 per cent of electricity come from renewable sources by 2025.

The bill passed with a bipartisan vote in the Assembly and had the support of clean energy advocates, environmental groups and the business community.

Nevada has vast potential for a number of renewable energy sources including solar, wind and geothermal.

Renewable energy also creates the opportunity for new jobs.

According to a recent IRENA report, the renewable energy sector employed 9.8 million people around the world in 2016 – a 1.1 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Adnan Z. Amin, Director-General of IRENA, said: “As the scales continue to tip in favour of renewables, we expect that the number of people working in the renewables sector could reach 24 million by 2030, more than offsetting fossil-fuel job losses and becoming a major economic driver around the world.”

The passage of the bill is a significant step toward putting Nevada on the map as a clean energy leader.

Elspeth DiMarzio, Sierra Club’s Campaign Representative in Nevada, said: "Increasing our clean energy goals is not a party issue. This is bill for all Nevadans’ which is why it passed with bipartisan support. Nevada's leaders are serious about making the state a clean energy leader.

“We have so much clean energy potential and this bill taps into that to create jobs, increase energy security, and protect our air and water,” she added.

The bill is now headed to Nevada’s Senate Commerce, Labor and Energy committee for consideration.

Elspeth DiMarzi said: “Nevadans now look to the Senate to pass this bill and help the state continue its leadership in clean energy and innovation.”

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