Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 | 2 a.m.
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Solar energy has the power to create jobs everywhere the sun shines. And as one of the sunniest states in the nation, Nevada should be leading when it comes to the solar economy. In November, Nevadans can reclaim the state’s rightful place as a clean energy leader by voting yes on Question 6.
Question 6 will ensure that by 2030, 50 percent of Nevada’s power comes from renewable sources like wind and solar. With another energy measure — Question 3 — on the ballot this year, confusion is running rife in the state. Simply put: Question 6 is about what type of power you get; Question 3 is about who provides it. The measures do not work in tandem nor is one dependent upon the other. Question 6 is the only guarantee for more of the healthy, job-creating renewable energy that Nevadans want.
Passing Question 6 would send a clear message to the rest of the nation that Nevada is open for solar business. The 50 percent renewable energy target would provide long-term market certainty so businesses and consumers could invest with confidence in Nevada’s clean energy economy. And as recent experience has proven, that investment in stronger local energy infrastructure translates into a stronger local job market.
A shift to more renewable energy would also reduce the very real health and human costs associated with Nevada’s continued dependence on fossil energy. The American Lung Association gave Nevada’s two largest counties, Clark and Washoe, failing grades for their air quality and rated Las Vegas as the 12th-worst city for ozone pollution.
A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council says that by getting half of Nevada’s electricity from clean, renewable sources, power plant-related pollution would fall by 74 percent — resulting in fewer asthma attacks, ER visits and premature deaths. This is the healthier future we should be building for our children and future generations.
And the predictability and increasing cost-competitiveness of clean energy technologies make Question 6 even more of a win-win for Nevada. Renewable energy prices have dropped by more than 80 percent in the past decade — with prices for new solar power plants beating out polluting fossil options. Case in point: A recent proposal for a new solar array in Nevada was the cheapest in the nation. Projects like these are proving that a 50 percent renewably powered Nevada is both achievable and affordable.
A yes-on-6 vote means clean energy leadership, local jobs and cleaner air today and for generations to come. With the myriad benefits, it’s no wonder that Question 6 is supported by an overwhelming majority of Nevada voters, regardless of party affiliation.
In November, we urge Nevada voters to turn support into action and vote yes on 6.
Jessica Scott is Interior West Director of the Vote Solar Action Fund. Louise Helton is owner and executive of Las Vegas-based solar installation company 1 Sun Solar Electric.
