Governor Sisolak celebrates Nevada becoming the nation’s 16th Clean Cars state

Governor Sisolak celebrates Nevada becoming the nation’s 16th Clean Cars state

Today, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak celebrated the State Legislative Commission’s passage of Clean Cars Nevada, a landmark regulation that will strengthen vehicle emissions standards and help curb transportation pollution, while providing Nevadans with more choices for electric and plug-in hybrid passenger cars and trucks beginning in 2024. In addition to increasing consumer options, Clean Cars Nevada will help advance the State’s climate action and sustainability goals, reduce harmful air pollution from cars and trucks on Nevada roads, and contribute to a stronger economy. While Clean Cars Nevada will increase the availability of low and zero-emission vehicles at dealerships across the state, the new regulation will not require anyone to give up their current vehicle or choose one that does not work for their lifestyle or business needs.

Clean car standards, which have been fully or partially adopted in 15 other states, have provided significant cost savings for drivers over the years. With the rising cost of gas in Nevada (currently third highest in the nation, behind only California and Hawaii) and lower-than-average electricity rates, coupled with initiatives underway to expand charging infrastructure throughout the state, Nevada is well-positioned to be a leader in transportation electrification.

“Clean Cars Nevada is a huge victory for the Silver State,” said Governor Sisolak. “Transportation is the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions in Nevada and drives disproportionate pollution burdens for historically underserved communities. As Nevada continues to grapple with the many impacts of climate change – including record-breaking heatwaves, drought, and massive wildfires across the West – advancing climate-forward policies and programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality are more critical than ever to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for Nevada. Clean Cars Nevada is one of many steps we are taking as part of my administration’s commitment to elevate climate action under the Nevada Climate Initiative and consistent with my 2019 Executive Order on Climate Change.”

Led by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), Clean Cars Nevada is the culmination of over a year of robust stakeholder engagement and community outreach, and incorporates input from auto manufacturers and dealers, conservation groups, and hundreds of Nevadans in every corner of the state.

“I want to thank the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, along with the many stakeholders, organizations, and all Nevadans who shared their input to help guide development of the Clean Cars Nevada regulation,” said Governor Sisolak. “I also commend the Governor’s Office of Energy for working to expand electric vehicle charging opportunities to every community in our state.”

Over the last two years, Governor Sisolak and the Legislature laid the groundwork to put Nevada on a path toward climate resilience. In 2019, NDEP issued an updated statewide greenhouse gas emissions inventory and projections report, as required under Senate Bill 254 (SB 254) from the 2019 Legislative Session. The report highlighted the transportation sector as the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Nevada through 2030. Without taking bold climate action, the state will fail to meet the necessary greenhouse gas reduction goals set forth under SB 254 and pursuant to Governor Sisolak’s Executive Order on Climate Change. In 2020, Governor Sisolak launched the State of Nevada Climate Initiative (NCI) to serve as the home for Nevada-wide climate action; last December, NCI released Nevada’s first-ever State Climate Strategy, which provides a roadmap for policymakers to implement Nevada-specific solutions to address the threats of climate change and seize the economic opportunities of a clean energy economy. Adopting Clean Cars Nevada is a key next step to advance a sustainable, resilient, climate-friendly future for Nevada.

Learn more at ndep.nv.gov/air/clean-cars-nevada.