State of Nevada Archives: on Energy & Oil
Adam Laxalt:
Supports choice & competition in the energy sectors
I believe we can meet Nevada's energy needs, while protecting our natural environment, by taking a sensible, balanced approach to public policy. Too often, the heavy hand of government is used to try to force particular energy solutions on the entire
population. This leads to public policy that is driven by political considerations, rather than the actual needs of our citizens. My approach as Governor will be to support more choice and competition in our energy sectors empowering consumers.
Source: 2018 Nevada Gubernatorial website AdamLaxalt.com
Nov 7, 2017
Adam Laxalt:
End costly and burdensome mandates on energy providers
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat? Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to combat climate change?Adam Laxalt (R): No. Joined appeal of Obama Clean Power Plan. "Oppose efforts to impose or expand costly
and burdensome mandates on energy providers, which only lead to higher prices that hurt Nevada's families."
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. "Climate change is real and poses a direct threat to our environment and communities." Work as a state to uphold
Paris Climate Agreement & Clean Power Plan.
Q: Support Question 6, the initiative requiring utilities to provide 50% of energy from renewables by 2030?
Adam Laxalt (R):
No specific stand but opposes "costly and burdensome mandates on energy providers."
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. "Want Nevada to lead the world in clean energy."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Amy Klobuchar:
Money from energy savings should go back to working class
One, get back into that international climate change agreement. Two, clean power rules, bring those back. And the president can do this herself without Congress, as well as the gas mileage standard. But when it comes to
putting a price on carbon, we have to make sure that that money goes back directly as dividends to the people that are going to need help for paying their bills. Otherwise, we're not going to pass it.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada
Feb 19, 2020
Bernie Sanders:
Fossil fuel profit is a moral issue
If we don't act boldly within the next six, seven years, there will be irreparable damage to the world. The Green New Deal will create up to 20 million good-paying jobs as we move our energy system away from fossil fuel to efficiency and sustainable
energy. This is a moral issue. We have to take the responsibility of making sure that the planet we leave our children and grandchildren is a planet that is healthy and habitable. That is more important than the profits of the fossil fuel industry.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada
Feb 19, 2020
Bill Richardson:
Mandatory emissions reductions to make US energy-independent
The next president must fight for the challenge of global climate change. We should do it with mandatory emissions reductions. The next president must make this country energy-independent. We can do this not with little energy bills here and there, but
with a man-on-the-moon effort that says, the 65% in imported oil reliance is unacceptable, and we’re going to go down to 10%, and it’s going to be done by public and private investment in renewable technologies; in solar, wind, biomass; in fuel-cells.
Source: 2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada
Feb 21, 2007
Bob Beers:
Consider safety risks & surroundings of Yucca Mountain
Yucca Mountain, the nuclear waste repository 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, has returned to headlines recently as some politicians, including freshman Congressman Cresent Hardy (R-NV), have suggested that Nevada needs to at least talk about the project
Beers said when it comes to the third rail of Nevada politics, he believes the state should be part of the conversation. "Bob Beers is realistic that that conversation is taking place everywhere in the United States and only one group is not
participating in the conversation and that's Nevada," he said.
He doesn't believe Nevada has had a serious conversation about the waste storage site in years. He said the state needs to look at safety, risks, long-term potential and the environment
surrounding the site. "We should be fully participating in the conversation. In not participating in the conversation, we've become the biggest target," Beers said.
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal coverage of 2016 Nevada Senate race
May 6, 2015
Brian Sandoval:
Access federal land to make NV renewable energy capitol
The Nevada Vision Stakeholders Group recognized that our state's geography and economic development are intertwined and recommended that Nevada secure better access to federal land for renewable energy production and transmission projects. I support
all efforts to make Nevada the renewable energy capital of the country. Finally, we need to improve ground connections by linking to Phoenix via I-11 and to Southern California via high-speed rail. Both are critical for transportation and tourism.
Source: 2011 Nevada State of the State Address
Jan 24, 2011
Brian Sandoval:
Energy efficiency retrofits add value to buildings
Nevada has been approved for a DOE competitive grant to assist in energy retrofits across Nevada. The grant will help commercial buildings develop energy efficient retrofit projects, making it easier for businesses, contractors and energy suppliers to
undertake these efforts.Through this grant, we hope to provide a consistent set of resources & policies to develop a sustainable industry for contractors & energy professionals for the long-term, thereby creating jobs as the retrofits are accomplished
Source: Nevada 2011 gubernatorial press release, #4294972071
Sep 15, 2011
Brian Sandoval:
Renewables like solar & geothermal are big opportunity
There is no better time than now to identify the future of our renewable energy industry and transmission planning around the West.We know there are long-term training and job opportunities in the energy retrofit industry, manufacturing jobs
in the solar panel industry, science and research jobs in lithium extraction and technology development, academic and drilling opportunities for the geothermal industries, and many other opportunities that Nevada will explore.
Source: Nevada 2011 gubernatorial press release, #4294971969
Aug 30, 2011
Catherine Cortez Masto:
Fight making Yucca Mountain a high-level nuclear waste dump
On another hot topic, Cortez Masto said she would continue Reid's 30-year fight against making Yucca Mountain a high-level nuclear waste dump. "It's something I've been fighting and will continue to fight," she said.
Reid endorsed her after announcing his retirement plan, signaling his desire to avoid a competitive Democratic primary.
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal coverage of 2016 Nevada Senate race
Apr 30, 2015
Catherine Cortez Masto:
Yucca Mountain is dead; fight so it continues to be
As Attorney General, I fought to prevent Washington bureaucrats from turning our state into a nuclear waste dump; as a Senator, I will work with Senator Dean Heller to fight this dangerous scheme that threatens
the health and safety of Nevada families. Yucca Mountain is dead and will continue to be if I'm fortunate enough to be elected as Nevada's next Senator.
Source: 2016 Nevada Senate campaign website CatherineCortezMasto.com
Aug 31, 2016
Cresent Hardy:
Talk about pro's and con's of Yucca Mountain
Yucca Mountain, the nuclear waste repository 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, has returned to headlines recently as some politicians, including freshman Congressman Cresent Hardy (R-NV),
have suggested that Nevada needs to at least talk about the project. Bob Beers said when it comes to the third rail of Nevada politics, he believes the state should be part of the conversation.
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal coverage of 2016 Nevada Senate race
May 6, 2015
Dan Schwartz:
Enthusiast for the future of renewable wind & solar energy
Schwartz was enthusiastic about efforts to transition to more renewable energy. In an interview he expressed support for a bill that Gov. Sandoval vetoed that would push Nevada to use 80% renewable energy within a few decades. "I'd love it. I think
it's a little optimistic," he said. "I think at some point we have got to go to renewable energy, whether it's wind, whether it's solar." He suggested the government has a role in making that happen: "I think we have to encourage solar and wind."
Source: Nevada Independent on 2018 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Sep 6, 2017
Danny Tarkanian:
Energy independence by drawing from all energy sources
Complete energy independence must be the primary goal for the United States to secure both our energy and economic future. We must remove our dependence on foreign oil from hostile countries and to do that we need to broaden our
approach to meet our energy demands. We will not be able to advance as a country by searching for a lone energy source to sustain us, but rather we must draw from all energy sources.
We must make use of clean energy sources like natural gas and nuclear, while opening the door to our domestic fuel resources to create a balanced path that will establish our energy independence.
The U.S. possesses all of the natural resources needed to accomplish this goal, and Nevada could become the center for many energy source developments.
Source: 2018 Nevada Senate campaign website DannyTarkanian.com
Feb 3, 2018
Dean Heller:
Impact from humans on climate change is up for debate
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat?Dean Heller (R): No. "Impact from humans is up for debate."
Jacky Rosen (D): Yes. "Climate change isn't just a threat to our environment, it's a threat to our national security."
Q: Limit or tax
production of greenhouse gases? Support President Trump's withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement?
Heller: No to limit or tax. Voted to bar EPA from limiting greenhouse gasses. Supported withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement, saying US would still
keep developing "innovative new energy technologies that make our state and our nation's energy supply cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable."
Rosen: Yes to tax or limit. Opposed withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement.
Q: Support government
subsidies for renewable energy? (Both Heller and Rosen oppose Trump's tariffs on imported solar panels).
Heller: Mixed. Has supported some renewable energy bills, opposed other key votes. Recently supported extending credits.
Rosen: Strong supporter.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Dennis Kucinich:
Voted against drilling in Alaska, against union preference
Q: Are there any issues with unions with which you disagree?A: The Teamsters wanted to drill in Alaska. I voted against drilling in Alaska.
So it’s not like I’m a slam dunk on every issue. But I’m for working people. That’s why I’m up here.
Source: 2007 Democratic debate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Nov 15, 2007
Elizabeth Warren:
Stop all new offshore and public lands drilling
We should stop all new drilling and mining on public lands and all offshore drilling. If we need to make exceptions because there are specific minerals that we've got to have access to, then we locate those and we do it not in a way that just is
about the profits of giant industries, but in a way that is sustainable for the environment. We cannot continue to let our public lands be used for profits by those who don't care about our environment and are not making it better.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada
Feb 19, 2020
Elizabeth Warren:
Don't think smaller on climate; it's about corruption
Senator Klobuchar says we have to think smaller in order to get it passed. Why can't we get anything passed in Washington on climate? We've got two problems. The first is corruption. The first thing I want to do is pass my
anti-corruption bill so that we can start making the changes we need to make on climate. The second is the filibuster. If you're not willing to roll back the filibuster, then you're giving the fossil fuel industry a veto.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada
Feb 19, 2020
Harry Reid:
BP and oil companies need regulation
Reid tried to turn Angle's disdain for government regulations against her. "My opponent favors big banks. She's against Wall Street reform.
Oil companies--she said BP had too much regulation, that's what went wrong there. I have a different philosophy. I am for the middle class," he said.
Source: NPR Morning Edition coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate
Oct 15, 2010
Jacky Rosen:
Fight turning Yucca Mountain into a nuclear waste dump
Jacky opposes dangerous efforts to resurrect the proposal to turn Yucca Mountain into a nuclear waste dump.
This will threaten our community and our tourism industry. Jacky will work across the aisle to make sure that this proposal remains dead.
Source: 2016 Nevada House campaign website RosenForNevada.com
Nov 8, 2016
Jacky Rosen:
Climate change threatens environment & national security
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat?Dean Heller (R): No. "Impact from humans is up for debate."
Jacky Rosen (D): Yes. "Climate change isn't just a threat to our environment, it's a threat to our national security."
Q: Limit or tax
production of greenhouse gases? Support President Trump's withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement?
Heller: No to limit or tax. Voted to bar EPA from limiting greenhouse gasses. Supported withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement.
Rosen: Yes to tax or
limit. Opposed repeal of Obama Clean Power Plan, saying would "increase carbon pollution, worsen the effects of climate change, and slow down our transition to a clean energy economy." Opposed withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement.
Q: Support
government subsidies for renewable energy? (Both Heller and Rosen oppose Trump's tariffs on imported solar panels).
Heller: Supported some renewable energy bills, opposed others. Recently supported extending credits.
Rosen: Yes. Strong supporter.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
James Vandermaas:
Wind & solar power cuts our dependence on foreign oil
The climate is changing--At this point, it does not matter whether it is caused by human activity or not. We need to accept the reality and do everything we can to fight it. Many of the things we can do to prevent, or at least slow climate change,
will help to solve other problems as well. Wind & solar power cuts our dependence on foreign oil, greatly decreasing our energy costs, and creates many new jobs.
Source: 2022 Nevada Senate campaign website VoteVandermaas.com
Dec 9, 2021
James Vandermaas:
Encourage transition to "nearly free" wind and solar energy
Wind, solar, and solar-thermal technology not only help our climate, create jobs, and produce nearly free energy, but can also give us the added boost we need to finally break free from these petrol-political alliances that have cost us so much.
We must encourage transitioning to these free sources of energy by providing long-term state and federal tax incentives. This will create even more higher paying jobs at home while also decreasing our energy costs.
Source: 2022 Nevada Senate campaign website VoteVandermaas.com
Dec 9, 2021
Jared Fisher:
Clean energy means jobs
We need to facilitate a cooperative combination of private companies and public policies to generate the amount of energy needed to power our communities.
We are in the ideal position to promote cutting edge technologies and ground level development with the plentiful solar, wind and geothermal resources unique to Nevada.
If we can realize our solar, wind and geothermal potential, we can generate clean energy and high-tech jobs while bolstering our revenues through energy sales and exports.
Together we can make Nevada a world leader in the burgeoning clean energy market.
Source: 2018 Nevada Governor campaign website FisherForNevada.com
Jul 12, 2017
Jared Fisher:
Renewable energy makes economic sense
We purchase over 70% of our energy from out of state. We need to prioritize our in-state resources so we can increase consumer choice, strengthen our security by reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our economy
by creating jobs and selling excess power, and boost our education and engineering programs with the new demand for technology that would bring more training and higher education opportunities to Nevada.
Source: 2018 Nevada Governor campaign website FisherForNevada.com
Jul 12, 2017
Jim Gibbons:
Build facilities to generate solar, wind & geothermal power
One of the most important roles state government plays today is in economic development. We are looking not only to expand our manufacturing base, but also to bring new green energy jobs to Nevada. In addition to building facilities to generate
solar, wind and geothermal power, we are also working to establish research and development facilities for newer, better green technologies. This will not only help our environment, it will create new, long-term jobs in Nevada.
Source: Nevada 2010 State of the State Address
Feb 8, 2010
Joe Biden:
Eliminate all subsidies for oil and gas
I would eliminate all subsidies for oil and gas. That would save billions of dollars. On day one, when I'm elected president, I'm going to invite all of the members of the Paris Accord to Washington, D.C.
They make up 85 percent of the problem. They know me. I'm used to dealing with international relations. I will get them to up the ante in a big way.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada
Feb 19, 2020
Kenny Guinn:
Delay power deregulation until protections are in place
We are challenged by the soaring cost of energy. Electric utility restructuring in California is, in the words of Governor Gray Davis, a "colossal and dangerous failure." We must learn from the mistakes in California, so that we never repeat them here.
In 1997 and again in 1999, our Legislature approved deregulation for Nevada. Last session, however, the Legislature recognized that there were problems on the horizon, and they gave me the authority to delay it.
Twice I have looked at the situation, twice considered the consequences, and twice said "no" to implementing deregulation.
Over the next few weeks, I will be reviewing those [latest] recommendations and any new proposals from the Legislature.
But let me be very clear: I cannot and will not support deregulation until I am assured that power supplies are secure and those who would be hardest hit by rate increases are protected.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
Kenny Guinn:
$5M to fight becoming the nation's nuclear waste dump
The single greatest threat to the health and safety of the people of this state [is] the prospect of Nevada becoming the nation's nuclear waste dumping ground. We've fought this battle together, for many years and on many fronts.
Yet the nuclear power industry is as determined as ever to target our state. Tonight, I am announcing that we will match that determination with an unprecedented dedication of funds. For the first time in our long fight against nuclear waste,
we will dedicate $5 million to fight the Department of Energy and those in Congress who are determined to make Nevada the nation's nuclear waste dump.
We will launch a media campaign to rally our neighboring states, because the transportation
of nuclear waste is a danger to everyone. We will continue to pursue all legal avenues. We will expose the unprincipled tactics used by the industry in their attempt to force us to accept this deadly waste.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
Pete Buttigieg:
Deadline for climate change isn't 2050, it's 2020
Let's be real about the deadline. It's not 2050, it's not 2040, it's not 2030. It's 2020. Because if we don't elect a president who actually believes in climate science now, we will never meet any of the other scientific or policy deadlines that
we need to. We need leadership to make this a national project that breaks down the partisan and political tug of war that prevents anything from getting done.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada
Feb 19, 2020
Ruben Kihuen:
Transfer money from big oil to renewable energy portfolio
We cannot afford to allow big polluters to put profits above the health of our families and our planet. We must act now to stop climate change and protect our environment for the generations that follow.In Congress, I will:- End subsidies for
big oil companies.
- Invest the money we've been handing over to big oil into expanding our renewable energy portfolio and ensure that we lead the way on creating a clean energy economy that will provide new jobs.
Source: 2016 Nevada House campaign website RubenForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Steve Sisolak:
Encourage cleaner burning fuels; but not Yucca
Sisolak indicates support of the following principles concerning Nevada's environment:- Enact tougher environmental standards to encourage the sale of cleaner burning fuels throughout Nevada.
- Require a cost/benefit analysis on proposed
environmental regulations.
- Request flexibility from the federal government in enforcing federal environmental regulations.
Q: Do you support the selection of Yucca Mountain in southwest Nevada as a storage site for used nuclear fuel?
A: No.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Steve Sisolak:
Climate change poses a direct threat to our communities
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat? Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to combat climate change?Adam Laxalt (R): No. Joined appeal of Obama Clean Power Plan. "Oppose efforts to impose or expand costly
and burdensome mandates on energy providers, which only lead to higher prices that hurt Nevada's families."
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. "Climate change is real and poses a direct threat to our environment and communities." Work as a state to uphold
Paris Climate Agreement & Clean Power Plan.
Q: Support Question 6, the initiative requiring utilities to provide 50% of energy from renewables by 2030?
Adam Laxalt (R):
No specific stand but opposes "costly and burdensome mandates on energy providers."
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. "Want Nevada to lead the world in clean energy."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Steve Sisolak:
Renewable energy makes business sense
Nevada used to lead the nation in producing renewable energy. Sadly, we've fallen behind. I strongly support the goal of achieving a minimum of 50% in renewable energy by 2030. And I know we can meet these standards without raising the cost of
electricity for the ratepayers of our state. Allowing Nevada to lead when it comes to renewable energy isn't just good for job growth or energy rates, it helps preserve and protect Nevada's incredible natural beauty.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
Steve Sisolak:
We're poised to lead the world on clean energy storage
Nevada is already a leader in renewable energy, generating billions of dollars in investment and employing tens of thousands of our people. Now, we are perfectly poised to lead the world in energy storage. To reach these ends, I will work with the
Legislature to pass a bold energy bill establishing our commitment to increased transmission, storage, and distribution of all forms of clean energy. Passing this bill will create good paying construction jobs & help in our fight against climate change.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 19, 2021
Joe Lombardo:
Seek energy independence rather than rely on wider market
With California retiring its units and changing its transmission rules, we have no choice but to reduce our reliance on the market and seek energy independence for all Nevadans. I will issue an executive order that allows electric providers, to develop
dedicated in-state generation resources, to ensure that we are no longer forced to rely on the broader electric market. Our energy independence will spur economic development, lead to job creation, and drive lower-cost energy for all Nevadans.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023