FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 12
CONTACT: Hannah Hertlein, hannah@impactcommunications-
Noah Barnes, nbarnes@pluginamerica.org
Nevadans Will Breathe Easier with an Electrified Transportation System: Leading Decision Makers Commit to Transportation Electrification
** RESOURCES: Photos and recordings of speakers and panels are available by request. **
LAS VEGAS – As Nevada begins to tackle its number one source of greenhouse gas emissions and unhealthy air pollution in the transportation sector, decision-makers and industry leaders from across the state participated in the Nevada Transportation Electrification Forum to discuss the benefits of transportation electrification, as well as the concrete policies and actions needed to achieve these benefits for all Nevadans. Photos and recordings of speakers and panels are available by request.
The forum was hosted by Plug In America, Southwest Energy Efficiency Program (SWEEP), and Clark County and brought together more than 100 stakeholders representing state agencies, local governments, chambers of commerce, casinos, universities, electric utilities, solar companies, building associations, auto dealerships, non-profit associations, and more. Growing demand for electric vehicles, rapidly evolving battery technology, falling prices, and actions by Governor Sisolak and the Nevada Legislature to combat climate change have created the opportunity to transform the state’s transportation sector. The event highlighted the success Nevada has already achieved in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in other areas and charted a path toward further environmental and economic progress through an electrified transportation future.
Joel Levin, Executive Director for Plug In America, said: “Nevada and the electric vehicle economy are inextricably linked. From drivers to manufacturers to ratepayers, electric vehicles are for everyone, and the benefits accrue to all Nevadans. This Forum brings electric makes and models at varying price points to the event and gives attendees a chance to test drive the newest electric cars and learn about the advantages of these vehicles, from fuel savings to lower maintenance costs to a zippy, quiet ride.”
Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft issued this statement after participating in the Forum: “Clark County is home to more than 2.3 million people and welcomes more than 45.6 million visitors annually. We must prepare our communities with commercial and residential charging stations and affordable electric car options and be prepared to seize any emerging economic opportunities. The electrification of transportation is something that Clark County has embraced with our newly created Office of Sustainability by joining the County Climate Coalition, which affirms our commitment to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement’s standards of environmental stability and combating climate change. We have an expanding all-electric vehicle fleet that currently has 58 vehicles. We also have the largest hybrid fleet of all government agencies across the state of Nevada. This Forum connected a lot of dots to help us prepare for the road ahead.”
Kristen Averyt, Research Professor for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said: “Under the leadership of Governor Sisolak, Nevada intends to be at the forefront of addressing climate change and capturing the many benefits of establishing a sustainable economy throughout the Silver State. With transportation related emissions now representing the greatest share of greenhouse gases in Nevada, we must work together to rapidly decarbonize Nevada’s transportation sector to protect the health of Nevada’s children and families and meet the ambitious pollution reduction goals climate science demands. Innovative transportation solutions will be integral to this effort and I appreciate the organizers and participants at the Nevada Transportation Electrification Forum in bringing together the policy leaders and innovators who will help create a sustainable transportation future for all Nevadans.”
Kristopher Sanchez, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, said: “As a business-friendly state, Nevada can support all of its industries through investment in our transportation infrastructure. Many companies want to transition to all-electric fleets for cost savings, and access convenient charging stations and affordable, clean transit options for customers and employees. The Transportation Electrification Forum laid the groundwork for better transportation to support Nevada’s workforce and diversify our economy.”
Will Barrett, Director of Advocacy and Clean Air for the American Lung Association, issued this statement: “Las Vegas and Reno both appeared on the lists of most polluted cities in the United States in the American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2019. Nevada’s state and local governments can help families breathe cleaner air by expanding zero emission transportation choices, especially as the population grows. This Forum helped bring actionable steps to decision-makers to help clean Nevada’s air.”
Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe Moreno issued this statement about the Forum: “The future of transportation is electric. As chair of the Committee on Energy, I have been closely studying the health, environmental and economic benefits of a just transition to an electrified transportation system in Nevada. Electric vehicle models, infrastructure, and transit need to be available for all communities. This Forum provided insight and guidance for Nevada to lead the nation in this effort.”
Dr. Mary House, First Lady of Mountaintop Faith Ministries and CEO of CHR, Inc. (Caring, Helping & Restoring Lives), said: Our church was one of the first in Southern Nevada’s black community to go solar. Now, we’re ready to embrace electric vehicles, and I’m glad to see so many people coming together to make sure all Nevadans can access the benefits of this clean energy revolution. As an electric car driver myself, I believe there’s a bright future for clean cars.”
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About Plug In America: Plug In America is the nation’s leading independent consumer voice for accelerating the embrace of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States. Formed as a non-profit in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. Our expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience of driving and living with plug-in vehicles. We drive electric. You can too. PlugInAmerica.org
About Southwest Energy Efficiency Project: The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization advancing more efficient energy use and clean transportation options in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.swenergy.org
About Clark County Nevada: Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 13th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to more than 2.3 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors a year. Included are the nation’s 9th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to about 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development. https://www.clarkcountynv.gov
