There is a new Climate Innovation Plan on the state’s website. This is an exciting event for Nevadans. Our state is experiencing extreme heat, drought, floods and fire. Reno and Las Vegas are the two fastest-warming cities in the nation. The extreme temperatures are causing financial difficulty for many Nevadans as they try to pay their electrical bills. So it’s good to ask, will the new plan help protect our health, our wallets, our vulnerable populations, our children and our limited water resources? Will it help us mitigate the effects of climate change that can be seen and felt in every corner of Nevada? 

Since the new plan seems to be short on data, goals and proposals perhaps these suggestions might be useful. 

Wouldn't it be great if the new climate plan: 

• Directed the Public Utility Commission of Nevada (PUCN)  to develop a plan using performance-based regulation (PBR) to better align Nevada’s monopoly utility profits with the interests of customers and society. The goals could include use of multiyear rate plans, incentivising customers to conserve energy, supporting affordability by lowering the base rate, using smart technology with owned or third-party energy sources such as rooftop solar and virtual power plants. There are examples of how to make this happen. SB300 opened the door for this process; we need the PUCN to put it into action.  

• Had a plan to get Nevada back on track to meet the greenhouse gas reduction goal set by the Nevada Legislature in 2019.  

• Required NV Energy, our state’s energy monopoly, to submit an analysis of the costs and benefits of building and running (fuel costs) the proposed new 400 megawatt gas-powered, polluting, peaking plant at Valmy and compare it to the costs and benefits of installing and running a 400 MW solar array with batteries resourced from our lithium mines, made by in-state battery plants and energy supplied by our sunny environment. How can the PUCN make the right choice for consumers without this information? 

• Included plans to adopt the 2024 International Energy Code appendices that would make it easier for Nevadans to add clean electrical appliances, charge their electric cars and install solar panels in the future. Just think of the reduction in energy use that could be redirected into the economy while saving Nevadans money on their energy bills.

• Directed the state to clean up its own carbon footprint by addressing the list of nearly 2,000 energy-efficiency projects identified as a priority in 2009? Public works received almost $10 million to do this work but there’s still no evidence these projects have happened.

To quote Gov. Joe Lombardo: “By addressing these environmental challenges locally, we’re able to strengthen the future of our state for generations to come.” 

Governor, I hope you’ll actively pursue effective proposals and goals such as those mentioned above. We have the opportunity to improve the long-term health of Nevadans, lower energy costs, improve equity and be part of the solution to the carbon pollution that is contributing to the increase in natural disasters.Taking action now will have an enormous impact on our future. 

Dr. Sandra Koch is an OB/GYN who has been practicing in Carson City since 1990.

The Nevada Independent welcomes informed, cogent rebuttals to opinion pieces such as this. Send them to [email protected].