Speakers Discussed Federal Investments From the IRA Propelling An Already Growing Clean Energy Economy In Nevada
Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Senator Fabian Doñate and climate activists joined local solar business SolUp Tuesday to highlight the recent growth in clean energy projects in Nevada. Recent investments stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act totalling more than $9 billion have since propelled Nevada’s already robust clean energy economy.
Participants discussed the opportunities made possible by state and federal legislation to support workers, build a more resilient and sustainable economy, and aid in the fight against climate change.
“I’m proud that Nevada is leading the way in the clean energy transition, and that our local, state, and federal governments are working together to make this happen,” said Nevada Senator Fabian Doñate. “I co-sponsored SB 293 to help make sure that the solar industry works for everyone and that consumers are protected from bad actors and deceptive third-party salespeople. Our clean energy future depends on the strength of today’s clean energy economy, and the passage of SB 293 was a critical step in the right direction. At the federal level, the Inflation Reduction Act represents the most significant climate legislation in our country’s history, and a huge boost for our economy.”
“We’re in the middle of a clean energy transition, and Sol-Up is grateful to be helping lead that transition within Nevada’s business community. We’ve been the backbone of cutting-edge technology while helping revolutionize solar engineering since 2009,” said Steve Hamile, Chief Operating Officer of SolUp. “Demand for solar is only going to continue to grow and thanks to the historic investments from President Biden’s Clean Energy Plan, these investments give Nevadans more jobs, cleaner energy, and a strong economy.”
“Young people across our country want to be a part of the solution on climate change, and President Biden’s Clean Energy Plan and American Climate Corps are unleashing their energy to make our world a cleaner, safer place,” said Jarrett Clark of For Our Future Nevada. “This program is a more diverse, inclusive version of the Civilian Conservation Corps that helped put Americans back to work during the Great Depression by planting trees and building roads in our national parks. We’re grateful to the Biden administration for bringing young people to the table on this issue that will directly affect them more than any previous generation.”
“We are proud that Nevada is proactive on climate and clean energy policy, from increasing our renewable portfolio standards to setting emission reduction goals, to passing major clean energy bills this legislative session that will strengthen our transmission grid and expand electric vehicle charging stations,” said Yazmyn Palaez of the Nevada Conservation League. “Federal investments from President Biden’s clean energy plan are strengthening our work and advancing us toward our climate and clean energy goals.”
Nevada has long been a leader in solar manufacturing and is now becoming a central player in battery manufacturing in the U.S. Clean energy investments have already spurred $9.14 billion in investments in Nevada and helped create or move forward 11,500 good-paying clean energy jobs in the state.
Additionally, the White House yesterday announced a $1.3 billion investment in a powerline to improve Nevada’s electric grid and earlier this month designated Reno one of 31 regional a tech hubs that will catalyze investment in technologies critical to economic growth, national security, and job creation.
Video of the event is available.
###