Carson City – By law, every four years, the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR) issues a statewide inventory of greenhouse gases released in the state, along with their analysis of that information.
Senate Bill 254 would require the NDCNR to submit an annual report that includes a statewide inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and a projection of annual emissions for the 20 years beyond the date of the report.
From the bill:
For each year of the inventory and projection, this bill requires a statement of the sources and amounts of greenhouse gas emissions in this State and the sources and amounts of reductions of greenhouse gas emissions in this State from the following sectors: (1) electricity production; (2) transportation; (3) industry; (4) commercial and residential; (5) agriculture; and (6) land use and forestry.
SB254 would also mandate the production of an annual report to identify policies that could “achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and a qualitative assessment of whether such policies support long-term reductions of greenhouse gas emissions in this State to zero or near-zero by the year 2050.”
The measure would also formally acknowledge that human activity is causing the climate to change.
Las Vegas Democrat and noted renewable energy advocate Senator Chris Brooks presented SB254 to a joint meeting of the Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure and Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure on March 12, 2019. Hear his remarks …
“Climate change, in the form of increasing average global temperatures is one of the greatest challenges we are facing as a state, a nation, and as a planet today,” Senator Brooks said. “There is overwhelming scientific consensus that human caused greenhouse gas emissions are driving this phenomenon, and Nevada’s public health, economy, wild lands and overall well-being are facing the consequences.”
Bob Johnston Western Resource Advocates also made a presentation to the committee.
Testimony in support of SB254
Brad Crowell, director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
David Bobzien, director Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy.
Greg Lovato administrator of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
Judy Stokey representing NV Energy.
Kyle Davis representing the Nevada Conservation League.
Jana Moen external affairs director for the Nevada chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
Patrick Donnelly Nevada state director for the Center for Biological Diversity.
Toby Tyler on behalf of the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club.
Jennifer Cantly a field consultant for Moms Clean Air Force.
Mark Hauenstein with Technical Designs consulting engineer.
Reverend Leonard P. Jackson, social minister with the African Methodist Episcopal church.
Testimony in opposition to SB254
Doug Busselman, executive vice president of the Nevada Farm Bureau.
Paul Enos, CEO Nevada Trucking Association.
Interaction between Assemblyman Howard Watts and Paul Enos. Assemblyman Howard Watts asked a clarifying question to Mr. Enos. Enos said he opposed the bill because it lacked a cost benefit analysis showing how reductions in greenhouse gas emission affects truckers bottom lines, so Mr. Watts asked for greater clarity regarding the cost benefit analysis. Watts followed up asking Enos if he would support looking at the overall cost of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
Andy McKay, executive director of the Nevada Franchise Automobile Dealers Association.
Paul Moradkhan Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce.
John Sande, Western States Petroleum Association.
Andrew Quinn, Carson City.
Neutral testimony on SB254
Peter Kruger on behalf of the Nevada Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association.
