FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 1, 2021
CONTACT: Hannah Hertlein, hannah@impactcommunications-publicaffairs.com, 513.262.6597
CARSON CITY — Today, the Nevada State Environmental Commission (SEC) approved the Clean Cars Nevada regulations proposed by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) in a unanimous vote after receiving overwhelming support from a range of interested stakeholders.
NDEP has led the process to draft these new clean air rules since Governor Sisolak announced the Clean Cars Nevada initiative on June 22, 2020, to improve air quality, expand consumer choice, boost the economy, and fight climate change in Nevada. The regulations now head to the Legislative Commission for final approval.
Advocates for environmental protection, public health, climate action, and consumer protection released the following statements:
“Nevada’s adoption of a Zero-Emission Vehicle standard will help our state reduce the harmful emissions that cause climate change and pollute our air,” said Cameron Dyer, Western Resource Advocates’ managing senior staff attorney in Nevada. “Transportation is the leading source of unhealthy fossil-fuel emissions here in Nevada and across the nation, with low-income neighborhoods and communities of color often experiencing greater exposure to that pollution and its damages. We welcome this effort led by Governor Sisolak and the Nevada State Environmental Commission to take meaningful action in reducing these vehicle emissions.”
“Uncontrollable wildfires made worse by climate change have led to very unhealthy air quality in Nevada. It’s hurting our most vulnerable people: children, the elderly, and anyone with underlying health conditions,” said Cinthia Moore, Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force. “That’s why Nevada’s leaders must work to reduce air pollution from sources we can control — like tailpipes. We applaud the SEC’s support for Clean Cars Nevada, which will result in cleaner air and assist us in the fight against climate change.”
“My 13-year-old son has suffered from many challenges with asthma. Having lived close to a busy highway for several years, I’ve learned that the pollution coming out of vehicles could have caused his condition or made it worse,” said Felina Banks, Community Organizer for Faith Organizing Alliance. “No parent should have to worry whether the air their child breathes every day is safe, and that’s why we need to do more now to get pollution-free vehicles on our roads. The approval of Clean Cars Nevada is a positive step toward making that a reality.”
“Our members in Nevada have spoken about the need to adopt clean car standards to greatly improve access to EVs,” said Peter Chipman, Policy Director for Plug In America. “We have heard many stories of frustration as consumers have difficulty finding EVs in Nevada, often purchasing out of state as a result. Plug In America commends the State Environmental Commission for approving Clean Cars Nevada so that more affordable makes and models that are available in other states can also be purchased here.”
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About Nevada Clean Cars Coalition: The Nevada Clean Cars Coalition consists of a diverse group of business leaders, conservationists, science and public health advocates, labor representatives, community organizations, local governments, consumer groups, and others who share the same desire to bring the many benefits of Clean Car Standards to Nevada. www.NevadaCleanCars.org
