Nevada Governor Sisolak Takes Important First Step Toward Transportation Electrification

(Carson City, NV – June 22, 2020) Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced a new rulemaking effort on Clean Car Standards today that could lead to crucial clean air and economic benefits for all Nevadans.

The effort initiates a process at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) to develop rules for Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Low-Emission Vehicles (LEV) standards —  joining more than a dozen other states across the country that have already fully adopted or partially adopted such standards. If adopted, the LEV and ZEV standards would require that automakers deliver new vehicles to Nevada that emit either fewer or zero greenhouse gases and harmful air pollutants beginning in 2024.

“Governor Sisolak’s Clean Cars Nevada announcement today represents an important first step toward more clean transportation options for Nevadans, a move that can save lives from air pollution and help address climate change.” said Pam Kiely, Senior Director of Regulatory Strategy for EDF. “Nevada’s transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state and a major contributor to harmful air pollution —stepping up action in this sector is essential.”

“We commend the Governor’s leadership in proposing to accelerate these clean technologies, while recognizing that Nevada must simultaneously double down on comprehensive efforts to reduce air and climate change pollution across the state’s economy. Strong limits on carbon pollution will be needed to deliver concrete action on the climate goals set forth in Senate Bill 254 and Executive Order 2019-22 — reducing emissions 45 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.”

By ensuring a greater selection of cleaner and lower polluting vehicles – including electric vehicles, Clean Car Standards can substantially reduce dangerous air pollution in Nevada. Pollution from fossil-fuel vehicles exacerbates health problems for Nevada’s communities of color and its most vulnerable citizens, including children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Nevada Clean Car Standards will also save drivers money at the gas pump and deliver quality jobs in a time of great economic need. Analysis shows that Nevadan families will save an estimated $500 per year in fuel cost saves and maintenance. Furthermore, over 1,000 Nevadans already have clean transportation jobs, with major potential for growth.

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) will start the process of developing the regulations for Clean Car Standards, which will first involve a public stakeholder process throughout 2021. You can read more on the benefits of a Nevada Clean Cars program in EDF’s new fact sheet.