Nevada releases updated Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report to advance statewide climate goals

Under the leadership of Governor Sisolak, Nevada is accelerating efforts to achieve a clean, sustainable, and climate-resilient future for all Nevadans. As we embark on the new decade, Nevada will continue its leadership in advancing clean energy solutions and addressing the growing impacts of climate change that are already being felt in all corners of the Silver State. As a foundation of this effort, the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR) and the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE) are releasing an updated and expanded Nevada Statewide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory and Projections Report (Nevada Statewide GHG Inventory). 

Authored by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), the Nevada Statewide GHG Inventory is a key requirement under Senate Bill (SB) 254. Sponsored by Senator Chris Brooks and signed into law on June 3, 2019, SB 254 sets forth economy-wide GHG reduction goals of 28% below 2005 levels by 2025; 45% below 2005 levels by 2030; and zero or near-zero by 2050. The bill also requires NDEP to produce a statewide inventory and projection of GHG emissions released in Nevada, including a “statement of policies” for consideration in addressing GHG emissions in Nevada. The statement of policies is developed in coordination with NDCNR, GOE, Nevada Department of Transportation, Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, and other state agencies. Together, the Nevada Statewide GHG Inventory and statement of polices will help inform policymakers and the public on Nevada’s progress in reducing GHG emissions, and offer guidance for adopting the necessary policies and programs to meet Nevada’s statewide GHG reduction and climate change goals.      

The Nevada Statewide GHG Inventory will be updated annually to help track Nevada’s progress in meeting the ambitious and necessary GHG reduction goals set forth in SB 254 and Nevada’s first-ever State Climate Strategy as called for under Executive Order (EO) 2019-22, issued by Governor Sisolak on November 22, 2019. Nevada’s inaugural State Climate Strategy will be the first strategic roadmap outlining the policy, budget, and technology pathways for Nevada to continue its leadership in addressing climate change and reducing GHG emissions in all sectors of Nevada’s economy. SB 254 and EO 2019-22, together with the increased Renewable Portfolio Standard approved by the Legislature in 2019, form the foundation of Nevada’s efforts to address climate change through reducing GHG emissions from all parts of our economy, while driving innovative technologies and pursuing an inclusive and equitable transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy for all Nevadans.

 Key findings of the 2019 Nevada Statewide GHG Inventory include:

Nevada has reduced GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 22% as of 2016, primarily through reductions in the electricity generation sector via Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard;
Nevadans, on average, contribute 25% fewer GHG emissions per person than the rest of the U.S.
As of 2016, Nevada contributed 0.68% of the nation’s total gross GHG emissions, despite having 0.90% of the U.S. population;
Nevada is close to meeting the SB 254 goal of 28% reduction from 2005 levels by 2025. A projected additional 4% reduction of GHG emissions is needed by 2025; 
New and ambitious policies will need to be implemented to meet the 2030 goal of 45% reduction in GHG emissions from 2005 levels; and
Nevada has significant opportunities to offset GHG emissions through enhanced land management practices and the prevention of large wildland fires. Nevada’s forests, rangelands, urban trees, and agricultural lands can absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere to help offset GHG emissions from other sectors. 

Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Director Bradley Crowell and Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy Director David Bobzien will present a summary of the GHG report at the upcoming Legislative Committee on Energy (see details below):

The report is on NDEP’s website at: ndep.nv.gov/uploads/air-pollutants-docs/ghg_report_2019.pdf  

WHEN: Friday, January 17, 2020, at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Grant Sawyer State Office Building, Room 4401

                  555 E. Washington Ave., Las Vegas, NV

The meeting will also be videoconferenced to Room 3137, Legislative Building, 401 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV.