No, we don't always agree with him. Yes, this only touches the surface of what's increasingly looking like an incredibly thorny issue. But yes, Jon Ralston's advice to state legislators on Tesla is very sound advice that they should pay attention to.
"Ratification is different from rubber-stamping." Just since the deal was announced last Thursday, the price tag has swollen from $400 million to $1.25 billion. Why? This gigafactory isn't cheap.
Ironically, Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (& Mustang Ranch brothel) owner Lance Gilman claimed "no public money" has been used to develop Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. Even if that statement was completely true last week, it certainly will not be going forward. If the Nevada Legislature approves the deal US Senator Harry Reid (D) encouraged and Governor Brian Sandoval's (R) economic advisers negotiated, Tesla will be exempt from paying sales taxes on construction materials and factory equipment for 20 years. That alone essentially serves as an estimated $725 million state subsidy for Tesla and Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center.
In addition, Tesla will receive $195 million worth of transferable tax credits along with $332 million worth of exemptions from property taxes. And on top of that, the State of Nevada will pay Lance Gilman $43 million for right-of-way so it can invest at least another $60 million to build a highway through Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center in order to connect the Tesla Gigafactory to US Highway 50 and Interstate 80 Freeway.
Oh, and this may not even be the end of it. Take a look at the growing list of registered lobbyists for the 28th Special Session of the Nevada Legislature. We can only wonder what may come next.
At least some legislators are demanding certain conditions for all these giveaways, such as guarantees for prevailing wage and Nevada workers being considered first for the new Tesla jobs. And quite a few legislators are insisting the tax credits will be tied to Tesla's progress in building the gigafactory (perhaps because they want to avoid another Apple boondoggle?).
Let's be upfront here. The reward will be quite high if this Tesla project succeeds. Nevada will have cemented our reputation as the hub of the 21st century clean energy revolution. And the Reno/Sparks/Tahoe region may finally have secured economic growth and diversification...
But at what cost? The Atlantic Senior Editor Richard Florida has already decried the $56,000-$300,000+ the State of Nevada may pay for each Tesla job that may or may not last into the distant future. Already, critics are accusing the state of overpaying for a "trophy". And opposition to the Tesla deal is already creating some very strange bedfellows, from the "TEA" powered NPRI and AFP to progressive stalwart PLAN.
"Ratification is different from rubber-stamping." At least one legislator seems to fully understand this. Pretty soon, we'll find out how many more also do... And/or how many simply don't.
Showing posts with label David Bobzien. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Bobzien. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Disorderly Conduct
This has been festering for nearly a month. They intimidated federal public servants who were just trying to do their job. They're still violating multiple court orders. And now, they're driving business away from the Virgin Valley as they make violent threats against numerous people (including each other).
Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys" have brought armed madness upon Mesquite and Bunkerville. And local residents there want out. And they want the outlaw militia gangs out of their communities.
Rep. Steven Horsford (D-North Las Vegas) has been calling for action to end the militia gangs' occupation of the Virgin Valley. And he's not alone. Yesterday, State Assembly Member David Bobzien (D-Reno) explained to MSNBC's Joy Reid how #BundyRanch is starting to hurt Nevada's public image.
Mesquite area businesses have already lost over $100,000 worth of activity since #BundyRanch initially blew up. Ever since the Bundy Gang started setting up checkpoints, people have been calling Metro Police to find out if it's safe to drive the 15 Freeway through Bunkerville. And ever since Bundy supporters started threatening violence at hotels suspected of housing BLM agents, people have been canceling trips to Mesquite.
While the Kochs have dropped their pro-Bundy astroturf campaign and Senator Dean Heller (R) is now quietly running away from the very "patriots" he had been praising last month. Yet while they don't see #BundyRanch as a political asset any more, they haven't said a peep about the many nuisances the Bundy Gang continue to cause in the Virgin Valley.
Cliven Bundy may claim to be a "Constitutional expert", but he forgets that the US Constitution forms the basis of the federal government he claims shouldn't exist. He's fighting a "Range War" because he refuses to play by the same rules as everyone else. He's fighting a "Range War" that's tearing the Virgin Valley apart.
This is not how civil society functions. This is not what we expect here in the United States of America. We expect some sort of order. After all, we are a nation of laws.
And now, Southern Nevada is feeling the consequences of the Bundy Gang's disorderly conduct. How much more of this must Bunkerville & Mesquite endure before this increasingly harmful disorderly conduct is finally put to an end?
Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys" have brought armed madness upon Mesquite and Bunkerville. And local residents there want out. And they want the outlaw militia gangs out of their communities.
Rep. Steven Horsford (D-North Las Vegas) has been calling for action to end the militia gangs' occupation of the Virgin Valley. And he's not alone. Yesterday, State Assembly Member David Bobzien (D-Reno) explained to MSNBC's Joy Reid how #BundyRanch is starting to hurt Nevada's public image.
Mesquite area businesses have already lost over $100,000 worth of activity since #BundyRanch initially blew up. Ever since the Bundy Gang started setting up checkpoints, people have been calling Metro Police to find out if it's safe to drive the 15 Freeway through Bunkerville. And ever since Bundy supporters started threatening violence at hotels suspected of housing BLM agents, people have been canceling trips to Mesquite.
While the Kochs have dropped their pro-Bundy astroturf campaign and Senator Dean Heller (R) is now quietly running away from the very "patriots" he had been praising last month. Yet while they don't see #BundyRanch as a political asset any more, they haven't said a peep about the many nuisances the Bundy Gang continue to cause in the Virgin Valley.
Cliven Bundy may claim to be a "Constitutional expert", but he forgets that the US Constitution forms the basis of the federal government he claims shouldn't exist. He's fighting a "Range War" because he refuses to play by the same rules as everyone else. He's fighting a "Range War" that's tearing the Virgin Valley apart.
This is not how civil society functions. This is not what we expect here in the United States of America. We expect some sort of order. After all, we are a nation of laws.
And now, Southern Nevada is feeling the consequences of the Bundy Gang's disorderly conduct. How much more of this must Bunkerville & Mesquite endure before this increasingly harmful disorderly conduct is finally put to an end?
Saturday, May 25, 2013
SB 229 Secures Final Passage, Will Repeal "Trash Tahoe Bill"
This week has truly been a wild one in Carson City. We've seen plenty of action as the 77th session of the Nevada Legislature comes to a close. And yes, we even saw major progress on saving Lake Tahoe.
This has been a long time coming. In 2011, the Legislature voted for SB 271. And in turn, that launched a protracted war with California as environmental advocates on both sides of the state line were horrified by this brazen attempt to dismantle safeguards meant to preserve Tahoe.
So this session, SB 229 was introduced to repeal the 76th session's SB 271 and preserve regulatory safeguards for Lake Tahoe. Yet even as SB 229 passed the State Senate last month, its future remained uncertain as Governor Brian Sandoval (R) made veto threats. After all, since corporate developers pushed Tahoe to the brink, they seemed hungry for more.
But then, we saw a surprising twist of fate. Earlier this month, Governor Sandoval announced an agreement with California Governor Jerry Brown (D) to pass SB 229/repeal SB 271. Apparently, California's threats of unilateral regulation and the continuing law suit against the recent revisions to Lake Tahoe's master plan proved to be too much for Governor Sandoval to ignore.
And now, we have overwhelming Assembly passage of SB 229. And under the agreement secured from California Governor Brown, Nevada Governor Sandoval has reversed his stance and promised to sign it into law. While many questions remain over the future of oversight and over-development at Lake Tahoe, at least the lake's advocates can celebrate the end to the all out assault on the entire regulatory framework meant to save Tahoe.
The Assembly voted 40-1 to pass SB229 which repeals a law passed by the 2011 Legislature that paved the way for Nevada to exit the Tahoe Compact created in the late 1960s to regulate development and oversee environmental controls in the Tahoe Basin that straddles Nevada and California. The Senate passed the measure in April.
"We have found new ways to cooperate, and SB229's repeal of the timetable of withdraw sends a strong message that Nevada supports working together with California to protect the lake," Assemblyman David Bobzien, D-Reno, said while urging his colleagues' support on the floor. [...]
Bobzien urged lawmakers to support a plan to withdraw Nevada's threat to leave the Tahoe Compact with California. The Assembly approved the measure 40-1. (AP Photo/Cathleen Allison)
The bill was ushered through the Legislature after Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and California Gov. Jerry Brown recently announced an agreement to protect Lake Tahoe's delicate ecosystem while also considering the economy when making land use decisions.
"Tahoe is a natural beauty we have to be proud of in our state and I'm glad everybody could come together to work together," said Nevada Assembly Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas. "I'm glad that Tahoe will stay blue and we have good compromise, and I'm glad the governors worked together as well."
"The timetable for withdrawal from the compact was just always a problem," Bobzien said. "The forum for cooperating has always been the compact, so if you make the statement that the compact should be dissolved, how do you expect people to cooperate."
This has been a long time coming. In 2011, the Legislature voted for SB 271. And in turn, that launched a protracted war with California as environmental advocates on both sides of the state line were horrified by this brazen attempt to dismantle safeguards meant to preserve Tahoe.
So this session, SB 229 was introduced to repeal the 76th session's SB 271 and preserve regulatory safeguards for Lake Tahoe. Yet even as SB 229 passed the State Senate last month, its future remained uncertain as Governor Brian Sandoval (R) made veto threats. After all, since corporate developers pushed Tahoe to the brink, they seemed hungry for more.
But then, we saw a surprising twist of fate. Earlier this month, Governor Sandoval announced an agreement with California Governor Jerry Brown (D) to pass SB 229/repeal SB 271. Apparently, California's threats of unilateral regulation and the continuing law suit against the recent revisions to Lake Tahoe's master plan proved to be too much for Governor Sandoval to ignore.
And now, we have overwhelming Assembly passage of SB 229. And under the agreement secured from California Governor Brown, Nevada Governor Sandoval has reversed his stance and promised to sign it into law. While many questions remain over the future of oversight and over-development at Lake Tahoe, at least the lake's advocates can celebrate the end to the all out assault on the entire regulatory framework meant to save Tahoe.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
From Shame to Fear
Last weekend, the local "newspaper" ex-publisher/current columnist engaged in some good old fashioned "slut-shaming" and enhanced it with a touch a racism in an effort to kill AB 230. Who knew comprehensive sex education we at the center of this? And that's only the start of it.
Shortly after her stunning testimony last month on her life story and why she supports AB 230, Assembly Member Lucy Flores (D-North Las Vegas) received death threats. And then when AB 230 finally hit the Assembly floor, opponents uttered complete nonsense just before the bill passed anyway. So why are opponents so afraid of AB 230? That's a good question.
And it's likely not a coincidence this is happening. We're really talking about common sense. This should have been fixed long ago.
As usual, the 21st Century Know Nothings are stirring up controversy in hopes of defeating the bill. Since the actual policy is quite straightforward, they must invent things to scare people. And when people get scared, wild things happen. (See above.)
At the heart of this controversy is fear. It's fear of the unknown. It's fear of "the other". And it's fear of empowerment. But really, why should we fear empowering our kids to make smart choices?
Shortly after her stunning testimony last month on her life story and why she supports AB 230, Assembly Member Lucy Flores (D-North Las Vegas) received death threats. And then when AB 230 finally hit the Assembly floor, opponents uttered complete nonsense just before the bill passed anyway. So why are opponents so afraid of AB 230? That's a good question.
“There’s a whole mythology to this bill that has really gone off the tracks,” [Assembly Member David] Bobzien [D-Reno, and author of the bill] said. “We’ve diverted this whole conversation of an important policy issue to someone’s visceral worst-case scenario.”
The Reno Democrat said he’s worked with the advocacy and education group Planned Parenthood to introduce a bill that would update the state’s standards for sex education in public schools.
His goal is to standardize the state’s sex education law from the 1980s while respecting local school districts and the rights of parents. He also hopes the bill helps reduce Nevada’s teen pregnancy rate, which is the fourth-highest in the nation. [...]
Beyond what’s already taught, [CCSD Chief Lobbyist] Haldeman said the bill would add to the curriculum discussion of gender stereotypes, sexual exploitation and human trafficking, relationship negotiating skills, resources for counseling, “effective and safe methods of contraception,” and sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment.
And it's likely not a coincidence this is happening. We're really talking about common sense. This should have been fixed long ago.
As usual, the 21st Century Know Nothings are stirring up controversy in hopes of defeating the bill. Since the actual policy is quite straightforward, they must invent things to scare people. And when people get scared, wild things happen. (See above.)
At the heart of this controversy is fear. It's fear of the unknown. It's fear of "the other". And it's fear of empowerment. But really, why should we fear empowering our kids to make smart choices?
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
AB 230 Passes Assembly
Over the course of this month, sex education has blown up into a major issue in Carson City. AB 230 was introduced. Then, Assembly Member Lucy Flores (D-North Las Vegas) shared her compelling personal story in explaining why Nevada students need comprehensive sex education.
Today, Assembly Member Lucy Flores again gave powerful personal testimony, this time on the Assembly floor.
She followed the bill's original sponsor, David Bobzien (D-Reno), who reminded his colleagues of what's at stake.
A few of their Republican colleagues predictably rose in opposition. And they seemed completely oblivious to what's actually in AB 230.
But in the end, it didn't matter. AB 230 just passed 26-15. All Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while all Republicans voted against. And just before the vote, my own Assembly Member (Andy Eisen [D-Paradise]) said this.
In the end, they're the ones who matter. And they're the ones who stand to benefit from AB 230. So now, the Assembly approved consistent statewide standards for life-saving sex education. The bill now moves onto the Senate.
Today, Assembly Member Lucy Flores again gave powerful personal testimony, this time on the Assembly floor.
@LucyFlores in support of #AB230 :"In a perfect world, we wouldn't need this bill. But we don't live in a perfect world." #sexed #nvleg
"If we don't arm students with information, they make decisions based on wrong information." @LucyFlores #AB230 #sexed #nvleg #FierceFlores
She followed the bill's original sponsor, David Bobzien (D-Reno), who reminded his colleagues of what's at stake.
"Giving students the information they need can and will save lives." - @BobzienNevada #AB230 #sexed #nvleg
A few of their Republican colleagues predictably rose in opposition. And they seemed completely oblivious to what's actually in AB 230.
But in the end, it didn't matter. AB 230 just passed 26-15. All Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while all Republicans voted against. And just before the vote, my own Assembly Member (Andy Eisen [D-Paradise]) said this.
Asm. @andy_eisen "I represent a special interest group...and that is the youth of Nevada " stands up for #SexEd #AB230 #NVleg
In the end, they're the ones who matter. And they're the ones who stand to benefit from AB 230. So now, the Assembly approved consistent statewide standards for life-saving sex education. The bill now moves onto the Senate.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Why AB 230 & SexEd Matter
Earlier this month, a whole lot of controversy arose over AB 230. Its first hearing at the Nevada Legislature was already full of fireworks. But when a few opponents of comprehensive sex education (SexEd) actually made death threats (??!!) against Assembly Member Lucy Flores (D-North Las Vegas) for simply sharing her own story on the matter, it just brought even more attention to the cause.
And this past Wednesday, the Assembly Education Committee passed AB 230 with a friendly amendment from Assembly Member Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas). So another bill passed the first test at the Nevada Legislature this week. Why are we talking about this one today?
Here's why: According to the Guttmacher Institute, Nevada has the fourth highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation. And teen parents are more likely to drop out of school than their peers. And high school dropouts are less likely to earn living wages than their peers & more likely to need public assistance.
And we're incurring these costs now because we can't guarantee decent SexEd. Just providing proper SexEd can ultimately save our state loads of money while also saving many kids' lives and opportunities. Yes, this is what's actually at stake with AB 230.
But in case you need a better understanding of what's in AB 230 and why it's necessary, read this from Sin City Siren.
Got it?
Perhaps enough people in Carson City finally are. For everyone's sake, they must. We can either fix this problem now or continue to pay the consequences of the broken status quo. The Assembly Education Committee decided to finally fix it this week, and hopefully other legislators are paying attention to this.
And this past Wednesday, the Assembly Education Committee passed AB 230 with a friendly amendment from Assembly Member Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas). So another bill passed the first test at the Nevada Legislature this week. Why are we talking about this one today?
Here's why: According to the Guttmacher Institute, Nevada has the fourth highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation. And teen parents are more likely to drop out of school than their peers. And high school dropouts are less likely to earn living wages than their peers & more likely to need public assistance.
And we're incurring these costs now because we can't guarantee decent SexEd. Just providing proper SexEd can ultimately save our state loads of money while also saving many kids' lives and opportunities. Yes, this is what's actually at stake with AB 230.
But in case you need a better understanding of what's in AB 230 and why it's necessary, read this from Sin City Siren.
AB230 is not creating a new standard out of whole cloth. There is already an antique sex ed law on the books. It’s just bringing it from the tapedeck era into the blue-ray era. And don’t let the NIMBY’s fool you. According to a January 2013 poll, 67% of Nevadans are in favor of sex education in schools, including teaching age-appropriate information about birth control. And the majority — we’re talking above the 90th percentile — of parents nationwide support sex education. Plus, research shows that sex education is linked with delayed first-time sexual experience. The more kids know, the longer they wait! [...]
In fact, 88 percent of teens said they support sex education. And need I remind you, research shows that sex education is linked with delayed first-time sexual experience. So the truth is, talking about sex does the exact opposite of making kids have sex! Talking to them and giving them the information they need to make healthy choices actually does just that… helps them make healthy choices! It can also help prevent the spread of STDs and AIDS. It can prevent unwanted pregnancies. And it can potentially save someone from remaining in dangerous situations that can turn violent, or even deadly. Look, I don’t exactly look forward to sex talks with my kid. I have the same fears that many parents do that my kid might make bad choices or wind up in bad situations. But if she does, DEAR GOD I want her to be armed with knowledge and confidence to act on that knowledge! I want to give my child a full voice in her life and the power to back it up! Why would you want anything less for your kids? [...]
Nevada has the fourth highest rate of teen pregnancy. Our current law, which mandates abstinence-only education, is a failure at preventing unintended pregnancies as well as informing youth about things like rape, domestic violence, sexting, cyber-bullying, and much more. A Congressional study already confirmed that abstinence-only education does not work and the American Academy of Pediatricians has recommended a comprehensive sex education approach, which includes but is not limited to abstinence education. And, let’s face it, parents don’t know everything (don’t tell my daughter!). We get intimidated about talking about certain subjects. Or, in some cases, parents just aren’t equipped or emotionally available to have those conversations. Does that mean that kids should grow up ignorant just because some parents cop-out or don’t have the latest information? I’m sorry, but that’s just stupid.
Got it?
Perhaps enough people in Carson City finally are. For everyone's sake, they must. We can either fix this problem now or continue to pay the consequences of the broken status quo. The Assembly Education Committee decided to finally fix it this week, and hopefully other legislators are paying attention to this.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Invasion of the NV Energy Bill Snatchers
On Wednesday, NV Energy reached a breakthrough. Its stock hit a 52 week high. And it did so due to a strong first quarter earnings report... And talk of NV Energy's NVision plan.
When Senator Kelvin Atkinson (D-North Las Vegas) and Assembly Member David Bobzien (D-Reno) originally proposed SB 123, they offered a bill to strengthen Nevada's renewable energy standard. It was amended today... To become NV Energy's NVision plan. And the Senate Commerce, Labor, & Energy Committee just approved the new SB 123 (that is, NV Energy's) language unanimously and moved it to the Senate Finance Committee.
So what just happened? Long story short: NV Energy got its way. Its lobbyists demanded this, so this is what the committee agreed to do.
So now, the SB 123 that's been gutted and amended into NV Energy's NVision (For more renewable energy? Natural gas fracking? Higher electric rates? All of the above?) moves to the full Senate for consideration. And one can only hope the full Senate really considers what this means.
Sure, Nevada needs more of its own renewable energy generation. Nearly everyone (except a few "tea party" radicals) agrees on that. And nearly everyone (with same above caveat) is ready to move beyond dirty, scary, nasty coal. Farewell, Reid Gardner, once and for all.
However, NV Energy's NVision plan doesn't stop there. It also calls for more natural gas power plants. So where will the natural gas come from? Does NV Energy want fracking in Nevada?
And how will this plan be paid for? As mentioned at the top, NV Energy's finances certainly are not hurting. Yet on KNPR earlier this week, the Bureau of Consumer Protection's Dan Jacobsen called out NV Energy's fuzzy math and revealed NVision likely means 9% (on top of inflation) higher electric rates for consumers while NV Energy further pads its profit margin.
So who really benefits from NVision? Why was SB 123 so quickly gutted and amended to morph into NVision? And who will stop this speeding gravy train to ask the tough questions on this?
(Hint: The rest of the Nevada Legislature is now on notice.)
When Senator Kelvin Atkinson (D-North Las Vegas) and Assembly Member David Bobzien (D-Reno) originally proposed SB 123, they offered a bill to strengthen Nevada's renewable energy standard. It was amended today... To become NV Energy's NVision plan. And the Senate Commerce, Labor, & Energy Committee just approved the new SB 123 (that is, NV Energy's) language unanimously and moved it to the Senate Finance Committee.
So what just happened? Long story short: NV Energy got its way. Its lobbyists demanded this, so this is what the committee agreed to do.
So now, the SB 123 that's been gutted and amended into NV Energy's NVision (For more renewable energy? Natural gas fracking? Higher electric rates? All of the above?) moves to the full Senate for consideration. And one can only hope the full Senate really considers what this means.
Sure, Nevada needs more of its own renewable energy generation. Nearly everyone (except a few "tea party" radicals) agrees on that. And nearly everyone (with same above caveat) is ready to move beyond dirty, scary, nasty coal. Farewell, Reid Gardner, once and for all.
However, NV Energy's NVision plan doesn't stop there. It also calls for more natural gas power plants. So where will the natural gas come from? Does NV Energy want fracking in Nevada?
And how will this plan be paid for? As mentioned at the top, NV Energy's finances certainly are not hurting. Yet on KNPR earlier this week, the Bureau of Consumer Protection's Dan Jacobsen called out NV Energy's fuzzy math and revealed NVision likely means 9% (on top of inflation) higher electric rates for consumers while NV Energy further pads its profit margin.
So who really benefits from NVision? Why was SB 123 so quickly gutted and amended to morph into NVision? And who will stop this speeding gravy train to ask the tough questions on this?
(Hint: The rest of the Nevada Legislature is now on notice.)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
SB 229 "Save Tahoe Bill" Passes Committee
Earlier today, we discussed the ongoing saga over the fate of Lake Tahoe and the regulatory agency (TRPA) that protects it. In March, SB 229 was introduced to repeal SB 271, the bill passed in 2011 that allows Nevada to withdraw from TRPA if it "goes too far" in protecting Lake Tahoe from overdevelopment and other forms of environmental harm. And today, SB 229 also had its ultimate day in committee.
Just minutes ago, the Senate Natural Resources Committee voted 3-2 in favor of SB 229. Senators James Settlemeyer (R-Minden) and Pete Goicoechea (R-Eureka) voted against SB 229. Meanwhile, Senators Aaron Ford (D-Spring Valley), Mark Manendo (D-Paradise), and Tick Segerblom (D-Las Vegas) all voted in favor.
So SB 229 passed committee, and it's now going to the full Senate.
So what happens next? We're not quite sure yet. There may be enough votes in the Senate to pass SB 229. And there may even be enough votes in the Assembly. However, Governor Brian Sandoval (R) has recently reiterated his support for 2011's SB 271... Which means he opposes 2013's SB 229.
But at least for now, SB 229 will live to see another day.
Just minutes ago, the Senate Natural Resources Committee voted 3-2 in favor of SB 229. Senators James Settlemeyer (R-Minden) and Pete Goicoechea (R-Eureka) voted against SB 229. Meanwhile, Senators Aaron Ford (D-Spring Valley), Mark Manendo (D-Paradise), and Tick Segerblom (D-Las Vegas) all voted in favor.
So SB 229 passed committee, and it's now going to the full Senate.
So what happens next? We're not quite sure yet. There may be enough votes in the Senate to pass SB 229. And there may even be enough votes in the Assembly. However, Governor Brian Sandoval (R) has recently reiterated his support for 2011's SB 271... Which means he opposes 2013's SB 229.
But at least for now, SB 229 will live to see another day.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
What's Behind NV Energy's Latest Move?
Remember what happened in February? US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Don't Mess With Searchlight) addressed the Nevada Legislature... And asked them to fix the loophole in state law that's allowed the state's electric monopoly, NV Energy, to meet Nevada's renewable energy standard by buying hydroelectric power from Utah and occasionally handing out new light bulbs at Home Depot.
Ever since then, and especially with climate change returning to the headlines in recent weeks, NV Energy has been feeling the heat. So now, NV Energy is making a big announcement. Surprise, it will finally be investing more in homegrown renewable energy, along with investing in more natural gas power and shutting down the last of its coal fired power plants.
In addition, NV Energy is also planning to produce another 2,000 megawatts of natural gas powered electricity over the next 15 years. And it's all part of NV Energy's "NVision" plan... Which it's now offering as an amendment to SB 123, the bill offered by State Senator Kelvin Atkinson (D-North Las Vegas) and Assembly Member David Bobzien (D-Reno). It actually addresses what Harry Reid called for in February, which is updating and strengthening Nevada's renewable energy standard.
Does anyone think NV Energy executives suddenly decided to do this out of the goodness of their hearts? {Crickets.} Yep, me too. What's more likely is they were feeling the heat from Senator Reid, concerned about the increased controversy of Reid Gardner coal power plant near Moapa, and jittery over the prospect of SB 123 becoming law. So what else were they do to? All of a sudden, they're now rushing to invest in more renewable energy (and natural gas) in Nevada!
Of course, there are even more concerns regarding this sudden shift. For one, what's with all the natural gas? While it is cleaner than other fossil fuels, it still emits greenhouse gases along with other pollutants. And as of late, it's led to a huge controversy regarding its extraction. Is NV Energy looking to join the fracking fiasco? I wonder what NV Energy has to say about SB 390, Senator Tick Segerblom's (D-Las Vegas) bill calling for more regulation of fracking.
Another concern regards the cost... And specifically who pays for all of this. Will NV Energy try to use this to justify another rate increase? Will it seek some state funding for this program? That's another issue for legislators to examine further.
So NV Energy is now trying to get in front of calls for less dirty energy and more renewables. While it's great to see NV Energy agree to shut down Reid Gardner by 2017 and invest in more homegrown renewable energy, there are still unanswered questions that the Legislature must address. Again, how is NV Energy planning to pay for all this? How will it seek more natural gas? And will this truly be the start of a real transition from fossil fuels to renewables? Hopefully legislators will find the answers soon... And this will actually be something to celebrate.
Ever since then, and especially with climate change returning to the headlines in recent weeks, NV Energy has been feeling the heat. So now, NV Energy is making a big announcement. Surprise, it will finally be investing more in homegrown renewable energy, along with investing in more natural gas power and shutting down the last of its coal fired power plants.
“I applaud the utility in having the foresight and the courage to try to answer the questions about the future of coal in Nevada and their willingness to recognize that coal needs to be exiting stage left,” said Assemblyman David Bobzien, D-Reno, who chairs the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee that could hear the bill if it passes the Senate. [...]
“In the coming weeks the Legislature is going to have some questions about how we get there so that it’s done in a way that’s going to be predictable and stable for ratepayers,” he said.
In place of coal, NV Energy wants to invest in a 60-40 split of natural gas and renewables.
NV Energy would construct, acquire or contract for 600 megawatts of renewable energy in Nevada during the next five years.
The bill mandates that the utility own or operate 25 percent of that renewable energy.
This would be the first time the utility would own and operate renewable energy power plants, [NV Energy Senior Vice President Tony] Sanchez said.
In addition, NV Energy is also planning to produce another 2,000 megawatts of natural gas powered electricity over the next 15 years. And it's all part of NV Energy's "NVision" plan... Which it's now offering as an amendment to SB 123, the bill offered by State Senator Kelvin Atkinson (D-North Las Vegas) and Assembly Member David Bobzien (D-Reno). It actually addresses what Harry Reid called for in February, which is updating and strengthening Nevada's renewable energy standard.
Does anyone think NV Energy executives suddenly decided to do this out of the goodness of their hearts? {Crickets.} Yep, me too. What's more likely is they were feeling the heat from Senator Reid, concerned about the increased controversy of Reid Gardner coal power plant near Moapa, and jittery over the prospect of SB 123 becoming law. So what else were they do to? All of a sudden, they're now rushing to invest in more renewable energy (and natural gas) in Nevada!
Of course, there are even more concerns regarding this sudden shift. For one, what's with all the natural gas? While it is cleaner than other fossil fuels, it still emits greenhouse gases along with other pollutants. And as of late, it's led to a huge controversy regarding its extraction. Is NV Energy looking to join the fracking fiasco? I wonder what NV Energy has to say about SB 390, Senator Tick Segerblom's (D-Las Vegas) bill calling for more regulation of fracking.
Another concern regards the cost... And specifically who pays for all of this. Will NV Energy try to use this to justify another rate increase? Will it seek some state funding for this program? That's another issue for legislators to examine further.
So NV Energy is now trying to get in front of calls for less dirty energy and more renewables. While it's great to see NV Energy agree to shut down Reid Gardner by 2017 and invest in more homegrown renewable energy, there are still unanswered questions that the Legislature must address. Again, how is NV Energy planning to pay for all this? How will it seek more natural gas? And will this truly be the start of a real transition from fossil fuels to renewables? Hopefully legislators will find the answers soon... And this will actually be something to celebrate.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Why Are Northern Nevada Democrats So "Fired Up & Ready to Go"?
Last night was interesting. In case you didn't my Twitter or Facebook feed yesterday, I made the 8 hour drive from Las Vegas to Reno with some great progressive friends. And once I arrived here, I got busy checking out the #nvp2 scene!
I first stopped at Sheila Leslie's campaign kickoff party in Downtown Reno. And let me tell you, the house was packed! I was really pleasantly surprised by so much Northern Nevada progressive energy packed into one room, as well as the huge outpouring of community support for Sheila Leslie.
I had a chance to talk with some locals there last night, and they gave some background on what to expect up north this year. They know Leslie faces new challenges in the new SD 15, but they also sounded quite confident of her ability to win this fall. Between her consistent record and Greg Brower constantly shifting between "moderation" and "tea party" crazy (depending on which election he's running in!), they sense West Reno voters will opt for the former. Let's hope they're right.
But wait, that's not all! After Sheila Leslie's kickoff, I headed over to Northern Nevada Stonewall Democrats' commnunity celebration in West Reno. We also saw Sheila Leslie and Assembly Member David Bobzien (D-Reno) here. Oh yes, and none other than Ross Miller, Nevada's Secretary of State, came by to give the group a full rundown of what his office has been up to. Believe it or not, he flew all the way (back) here from LA yesterday to make our party! He gave a rousing speech on the progress made on LGBTQ equality in the last 20 years, as well as what needs to be done to make Nevada a better place for all families.
David Bobzien also gave a wonderful speech on how the Legislature works and why Legislature elections this year are so important.
All in all, I was quote impressed with Washoe County Democrats and their astonishing energy. When media pundits like Jon Ralston ask how Nevada Democrats are supposed to conquer "the enthusiasm gap", this shows that Democrats probably already have. So far, 2012 really seems to be looking up for Nevada progressives hoping for a better 2013.
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