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ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN THE NEWS:

Nevada’s Authority to Set Clean Cars Standards is Restored!

Read letters of support from various Nevada businesses and organizations

Nevada businesses, conservation groups, science and public health advocates, labor unions, local governments, and consumer advocates wrote letters of support to the Nevada Legislative Commission in favor of the Clean Cars Nevada program.

The Legislative Commission approved the regulations on Friday, October 22, ending a 16 month period of public stakeholder meetings and impact studies led by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

READ MORE »

Outpouring of Support Marked Final Push for Clean Cars Nevada Initiative

Read letters of support from various Nevada businesses and organizations

Nevada businesses, conservation groups, science and public health advocates, labor unions, local governments, and consumer advocates wrote letters of support to the Nevada Legislative Commission in favor of the Clean Cars Nevada program.

The Legislative Commission approved the regulations on Friday, October 22, ending a 16 month period of public stakeholder meetings and impact studies led by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

READ MORE »
Cleaner air? yes, please! White electric vehicle being charged at a EV green charging location with an orange background.

Nevada Becomes 16th Clean Cars State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 22, 2021

CARSON CITY — Today, Nevada became the sixteenth in the nation to adopt clean car standards. 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 will go into full effect for model year 2025 and provide consumers with more options for cost-saving and pollution-free light-duty cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs.

Today’s bipartisan 8 to 4 vote by the Nevada Legislative Commission to accept the Clean Cars Nevada program concludes a 16 month period of public engagement led by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). In the end, Clean Cars Nevada achieved overwhelming, broad, and unprecedented support from diverse stakeholders. NDEP, clean energy advocates, and the automotive industry worked collaboratively to find regulatory language that was agreeable to all parties involved, which can serve as a model for other states pursuing clean car standards.

READ MORE »

Looking for relief? The Clean Cars Nevada program could be the answer

By Quinta Warren

In recent months, Nevada drivers have seen a steady increase in gasoline prices across the state. With people getting back to work in offices and travel restrictions easing, there’s been a strain on gas supply while demand rises.

According to AAA, the national average cost for a gallon of gas is $3.28, while Nevada drivers are paying, on average, $3.88 and in some areas over $4 per gallon every time they fill up.

READ MORE »
View from the ground looking up. White electric car charging point with Nissan Leaf connected. EV parking and recharging station.

The Clean Cars Nevada Initiative is Wildly Popular. Here’s Why:

The finish line is in sight for the Clean Cars Nevada program.

Nearly 15 months after Governor Sisolak announced that the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) will pursue clean car standards, the initiative has proven to be wildly popular and enjoys overwhelming support from diverse stakeholders — including auto industry, clean energy, health, business, and environmental advocates.

Broad consensus is rare these days, but that is precisely what happened on September 1, 2021. Following an in-depth and collaborative outreach process led by NDEP, the Nevada State Environmental Commission (SEC) unanimously voted to approve the Clean Cars Nevada regulations! Catch up on the wide-spread support with this Twitter thread:

READ MORE »
Road along Lake Tahoe

Protecting yourself against wildfire smoke

This opinion column was submitted by Bernadette Mae Longo, PhD, RN, associate professor emerita of the University of Nevada, Reno.

It’s fire season, a term that is losing its meaning as hotter and drier conditions put us at risk for fires year-round. Every year new records are set for destructive wildfires. Blazes in the west are spewing smoke, leading to gray skies across the Reno-Carson region as well as the Las Vegas metro area — even reaching the eastern United States. The visible thick blanket of smoke and ash across Nevada threatens lung health and can exacerbate respiratory and heart conditions.

Nevada’s cities are among the most polluted for ozone and fine particle pollution (PM). The American Lung Association 2021 “State of the Air” report found Reno ranks 21st for the most polluted cities for short-term PM, worse than last year’s rank as 23rd. Record-breaking temperatures, extreme drought and devastating wildfires have made it increasingly difficult to clean up the air. The impacts of climate change are putting the health of millions at risk.

READ MORE »

Clean Cars Nevada Races Toward Finish Line With Unanimous Support from State Environmental Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 1, 2021

CARSON CITY — Today, the Nevada State Environmental Commission (SEC) approved the Clean Cars Nevada regulations proposed by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) 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.

READ MORE »

Press Release: Clean Car Standards Move Full Speed Ahead with Agreement from Clean Energy Advocates, New Car Dealers, and Automakers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 28, 2021

CARSON CITY — Today, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) hosted a formal workshop about its proposed Clean Cars Nevada initiative. The workshop provided the public with the opportunity to comment on the agency’s proposed regulations aimed at reducing vehicle pollution and increasing access to clean vehicle models in the state.

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. Auto manufacturers, new car dealers, and advocates for clean energy and conservation recognize the need for sound policies and programs to support Nevada’s electrification goals. As a result of feedback from interested parties, the latest draft of the Clean Cars Nevada regulations enjoys broad support and takes an important step by including a crediting system that will assist in the transition to greater ZEV adoption.

READ MORE »
Photo of electric vehicle being charged from the charger vantage point. Blue hose is attached to charger that is plugged into a white electric vehicle. You can see a parking lot in the background.

Nevada’s Credit System Offers Blueprint for More States to Develop ZEV Standards that Reduce Carbon Emissions

Aaron Kressig, Transportation Electrification Manager; and Matt Rubin, Clean Energy Program Analyst

A ZEV standard is a proven method of curbing pollution from the transportation sector, which has become the leading source of greenhouse gas pollution nationwide. Colorado adopted a ZEV standard in 2019, Nevada has begun the administrative process to put one in place, and New Mexico plans to do the same by 2022. Western Resource Advocates is providing important recommendations in those processes, including on the credit system for auto manufacturers.

HOW THE ZEV CREDITING SYSTEM WORKS

The ZEV standard is a policy set by the California Air Resources Board which can be adopted by any state in the country. The standard requires auto manufacturers doing business in a ZEV state to provide a certain number of zero-emitting cars and trucks each year to dealerships in the state. Manufacturers are awarded credits for each zero-emission vehicle brought to the state for sale, based on features like how far the vehicle can go on a single charge and whether the vehicle is a plug-in hybrid or fully electric. Those credits are then retired in a given year to demonstrate compliance with the standard.

READ MORE »

I Support Clean Cars Nevada and You Should Too

Dr. Mary House, President and CEO of CHR, Inc (Caring, Helping and Restoring Lives) and the First Lady of Mountaintop Faith Ministries

I am in love with my all-electric Hyundai Ioniq! It’s stylish and emits no tailpipe pollution. Best of all, it saves me time and money!

A few years ago, I was in a car accident. Through the grace of God, I was fine. My car; however, wasn’t. I was faced with a decision: to replace my car with another gasoline-powered vehicle or to buy an EV.

I’ve been a clean energy advocate since the 1980s. I started my journey by reducing energy use in our home, office, and place of worship by installing LED bulbs, smart thermostats, an induction cooktop, and weatherproofing insulation. Our church was one of the first Black churches in Southern Nevada to be powered by solar energy. This history with clean energy made my decision easy. I knew it was time to invest in an electric car.

READ MORE »

Latest News

Nevada’s Authority to Set Clean Cars Standards is Restored!

Read letters of support from various Nevada businesses and organizations

Nevada businesses, conservation groups, science and public health advocates, labor unions, local governments, and consumer advocates wrote letters of support to the Nevada Legislative Commission in favor of the Clean Cars Nevada program.

The Legislative Commission approved the regulations on Friday, October 22, ending a 16 month period of public stakeholder meetings and impact studies led by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

Read more »

Outpouring of Support Marked Final Push for Clean Cars Nevada Initiative

Read letters of support from various Nevada businesses and organizations

Nevada businesses, conservation groups, science and public health advocates, labor unions, local governments, and consumer advocates wrote letters of support to the Nevada Legislative Commission in favor of the Clean Cars Nevada program.

The Legislative Commission approved the regulations on Friday, October 22, ending a 16 month period of public stakeholder meetings and impact studies led by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

Read more »
Cleaner air? yes, please! White electric vehicle being charged at a EV green charging location with an orange background.

Nevada Becomes 16th Clean Cars State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 22, 2021

CARSON CITY — Today, Nevada became the sixteenth in the nation to adopt clean car standards. 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 will go into full effect for model year 2025 and provide consumers with more options for cost-saving and pollution-free light-duty cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs.

Today’s bipartisan 8 to 4 vote by the Nevada Legislative Commission to accept the Clean Cars Nevada program concludes a 16 month period of public engagement led by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). In the end, Clean Cars Nevada achieved overwhelming, broad, and unprecedented support from diverse stakeholders. NDEP, clean energy advocates, and the automotive industry worked collaboratively to find regulatory language that was agreeable to all parties involved, which can serve as a model for other states pursuing clean car standards.

Read more »

Looking for relief? The Clean Cars Nevada program could be the answer

By Quinta Warren

In recent months, Nevada drivers have seen a steady increase in gasoline prices across the state. With people getting back to work in offices and travel restrictions easing, there’s been a strain on gas supply while demand rises.

According to AAA, the national average cost for a gallon of gas is $3.28, while Nevada drivers are paying, on average, $3.88 and in some areas over $4 per gallon every time they fill up.

Read more »
View from the ground looking up. White electric car charging point with Nissan Leaf connected. EV parking and recharging station.

The Clean Cars Nevada Initiative is Wildly Popular. Here’s Why:

The finish line is in sight for the Clean Cars Nevada program.

Nearly 15 months after Governor Sisolak announced that the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) will pursue clean car standards, the initiative has proven to be wildly popular and enjoys overwhelming support from diverse stakeholders — including auto industry, clean energy, health, business, and environmental advocates.

Broad consensus is rare these days, but that is precisely what happened on September 1, 2021. Following an in-depth and collaborative outreach process led by NDEP, the Nevada State Environmental Commission (SEC) unanimously voted to approve the Clean Cars Nevada regulations! Catch up on the wide-spread support with this Twitter thread:

Read more »
Road along Lake Tahoe

Protecting yourself against wildfire smoke

This opinion column was submitted by Bernadette Mae Longo, PhD, RN, associate professor emerita of the University of Nevada, Reno.

It’s fire season, a term that is losing its meaning as hotter and drier conditions put us at risk for fires year-round. Every year new records are set for destructive wildfires. Blazes in the west are spewing smoke, leading to gray skies across the Reno-Carson region as well as the Las Vegas metro area — even reaching the eastern United States. The visible thick blanket of smoke and ash across Nevada threatens lung health and can exacerbate respiratory and heart conditions.

Nevada’s cities are among the most polluted for ozone and fine particle pollution (PM). The American Lung Association 2021 “State of the Air” report found Reno ranks 21st for the most polluted cities for short-term PM, worse than last year’s rank as 23rd. Record-breaking temperatures, extreme drought and devastating wildfires have made it increasingly difficult to clean up the air. The impacts of climate change are putting the health of millions at risk.

Read more »

Clean Cars Nevada Races Toward Finish Line With Unanimous Support from State Environmental Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 1, 2021

CARSON CITY — Today, the Nevada State Environmental Commission (SEC) approved the Clean Cars Nevada regulations proposed by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) 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.

Read more »

Press Release: Clean Car Standards Move Full Speed Ahead with Agreement from Clean Energy Advocates, New Car Dealers, and Automakers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 28, 2021

CARSON CITY — Today, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) hosted a formal workshop about its proposed Clean Cars Nevada initiative. The workshop provided the public with the opportunity to comment on the agency’s proposed regulations aimed at reducing vehicle pollution and increasing access to clean vehicle models in the state.

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. Auto manufacturers, new car dealers, and advocates for clean energy and conservation recognize the need for sound policies and programs to support Nevada’s electrification goals. As a result of feedback from interested parties, the latest draft of the Clean Cars Nevada regulations enjoys broad support and takes an important step by including a crediting system that will assist in the transition to greater ZEV adoption.

Read more »
Photo of electric vehicle being charged from the charger vantage point. Blue hose is attached to charger that is plugged into a white electric vehicle. You can see a parking lot in the background.

Nevada’s Credit System Offers Blueprint for More States to Develop ZEV Standards that Reduce Carbon Emissions

Aaron Kressig, Transportation Electrification Manager; and Matt Rubin, Clean Energy Program Analyst

A ZEV standard is a proven method of curbing pollution from the transportation sector, which has become the leading source of greenhouse gas pollution nationwide. Colorado adopted a ZEV standard in 2019, Nevada has begun the administrative process to put one in place, and New Mexico plans to do the same by 2022. Western Resource Advocates is providing important recommendations in those processes, including on the credit system for auto manufacturers.

HOW THE ZEV CREDITING SYSTEM WORKS

The ZEV standard is a policy set by the California Air Resources Board which can be adopted by any state in the country. The standard requires auto manufacturers doing business in a ZEV state to provide a certain number of zero-emitting cars and trucks each year to dealerships in the state. Manufacturers are awarded credits for each zero-emission vehicle brought to the state for sale, based on features like how far the vehicle can go on a single charge and whether the vehicle is a plug-in hybrid or fully electric. Those credits are then retired in a given year to demonstrate compliance with the standard.

Read more »

I Support Clean Cars Nevada and You Should Too

Dr. Mary House, President and CEO of CHR, Inc (Caring, Helping and Restoring Lives) and the First Lady of Mountaintop Faith Ministries

I am in love with my all-electric Hyundai Ioniq! It’s stylish and emits no tailpipe pollution. Best of all, it saves me time and money!

A few years ago, I was in a car accident. Through the grace of God, I was fine. My car; however, wasn’t. I was faced with a decision: to replace my car with another gasoline-powered vehicle or to buy an EV.

I’ve been a clean energy advocate since the 1980s. I started my journey by reducing energy use in our home, office, and place of worship by installing LED bulbs, smart thermostats, an induction cooktop, and weatherproofing insulation. Our church was one of the first Black churches in Southern Nevada to be powered by solar energy. This history with clean energy made my decision easy. I knew it was time to invest in an electric car.

Read more »

What is the Advanced Clean Cars Program and What are Its Benefits?

Webinar hosted by Environment America

Many state leaders, like those in Nevada, know the advanced clean cars program offers many benefits. Which is why fifteen states and Washington D.C. have already adopted a portion of the clean cars program. Minnesota and Nevada are currently in the rulemaking process.

Governor Sisolak introduced the Clean Cars Nevada initiative in 2020. The state is pursuing a low-emission vehicle program, which means automakers will deliver new vehicles that emit fewer greenhouse gases and harmful air pollutants to Nevada dealerships. Additionally, the state is pursuing the zero-emission vehicle program ensuring automakers deliver more vehicles that are partly or fully zero emissions (such as plug-in hybrid or full electric vehicles) for sale in Nevada.

Environment America held a panel webinar to discuss the importance and benefits of the clean cars program, explaining its appeal for states. The panel featured: Patrick McDonnell, Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Laura Bishop, MN Pollution Control Agency; Barbara Vasquez, Colorado Transportation, Commissioner for District 6, and Danilo Dragoni, Chief of Nevada Bureau of Air Quality Planning.

Read more »
Nevada Clean Cars

White House Proposal Boosts Nevada’s Clean Car Efforts

Nevada Clean Cars Coalition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Today, the Biden administration announced the White House will resume the policy of respecting each state’s authority to adopt stronger vehicle tailpipe pollution standards.

The federal Clean Air Act allows states to set vehicle emission standards that are tougher than federal requirements, to address persistent air pollution problems.

Read more »
Red Chevy Spark

Put electric vehicle range anxiety in your rear view mirror!

Paul Bordenkircher

The number one excuse I hear people give for not buying an electric vehicle (EV) is range anxiety. The question is always, “Will this car get me where I’m going without dying?” The answer is almost always yes.

People confuse the miles they’re driving with the hours they might spend sitting in traffic. My workplace may be less than 15 miles away, but it could take 45 minutes to an hour if there is road work or a car accident causing a backup on the roads. With a gas car, I’m going to be burning gas if I sit in traffic, but with an EV, I’m using very little charge while running the a/c on hot days!

There are a few factors to consider when finding the right EV with the right amount of range for you: number of cars per household, public charging station access, and make and model range.

Is your family fortunate enough to afford two cars? If yes, then ease into EV ownership by making just one of your vehicles electric. Use the EV for your daily commute to work and running errands around town. Keep one gasoline-powered car for your longer drives or weekend get-aways. I drive my Chevy Spark EV almost daily and reserve my wife’s gas-powered vehicle when we drive out of state.

Read more »
Plugging in a red Chevy Spark

What is it like to own an electric vehicle? Your insurance, maintenance, and battery questions answered.

Paul Bordenkircher

Are you thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV), but have questions about the long-term costs of ownership? Consider these three aspects of EV ownership: insurance, maintenance, and battery life from an experienced used-EV owner.

I’ve often been told a good rule of thumb is to check the vehicle’s auto insurance rates before buying any car. Insurance companies factor in the costs of repairing a vehicle in the case of an accident, as well as the availability of parts, when determining the premium you’ll pay.

In my case, the insurance on my car, a 2016 Chevy Spark EV, is only a few dollars more a month than my wife’s 2007 Nissan Pathfinder. That would be good enough, but I priced our rates for vehicle usage at 8,000 miles a year for the Spark and only 4,000 miles for the Pathfinder. Nearly the same rate for twice as many anticipated miles. Not bad.

Maintenance for EVs is almost a non-issue considering there are many moving components of a gasoline-powered vehicle that an EV simply doesn’t have. EVs do not need oil changes, spark plugs, radiator fluids, belts, hoses, or any of those pesky things that wear out over time in a gasoline-powered car. As an example, I took my Spark EV in for the 30,000 mile service, which consisted of rotating tires, checking my wipers and filling my washer fluid. That’s it!

Read more »
Red Chevy Spark (electric vehicle) on a street in Nevada

Interested in electric vehicles? Consider buying an affordable used EV

Paul Bordenkircher

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity, but many drivers are still not sure if they can afford them. The most common question I get asked is: “How much does it cost to buy an EV? Aren’t they expensive?” My answer — new ones can be (as with all new cars), but perhaps consider buying an affordable used EV.

New electric vehicles are still a little more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts; however, new EVs will be cost-competitive with gasoline-powered cars by the mid-2020s, according to BloombergNEF. Even though the up-front purchase price to buy an EV is falling, I have a little secret that very few people are talking about: buy a used EV and save money.

Many Nevadans want electric cars. Sometimes, folks are willing to travel out of state or buy cars online without a test drive, just to purchase their preferred model. Not only is this a hassle, but it means money that could be spent in the Silver State is going elsewhere. 

Adopting Clean Car Standards can help provide more electric vehicles in Nevada. In June of 2020, Governor Steve Sisolak announced the Clean Cars Nevada initiative, which could bring the Low-Emission Vehicles (LEV) and Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) programs to Nevada. 

The ZEV program in particular ensures that each year, automakers deliver more vehicles that are partly or fully zero emissions (such as plug-in hybrid or full electric vehicles) for sale in Nevada. The eleven states that have adopted the ZEV program have seen increased availability of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle models as a result. 

Read more »

How I finally made the jump to buying a used electric vehicle

Paul Bordenkircher

When my wife and I relocated to Las Vegas in late 2018, I knew I was going to need a second vehicle for my commute to work, but I didn’t have a lot to spend. I hunkered down and started doing my research on what kind of car I could truly afford and would still be reliable.

As I dug in, I realized the expense of operating the car — not just fuel-ups, but regular maintenance too — was a pretty large part of the budget. I’d always been curious about electric vehicles (EVs) so I looked at them as an option. I’d seen all the buzz about Tesla EVs and had read about how low electricity and operating costs were, but the price of a new EV was out of my range. So, I dug deeper. As I did, I found there was a relatively small and unknown market of used EVs that were available, from a variety of brands, and that they were surprisingly affordable to purchase.

Read more »
Road along Lake Tahoe

Press Release: New Report Shows Benefits of Clean Cars in Nevada

NRDC

We all know buying a car is hard. But getting an electric model can be a truly difficult project.

There were over 40 electric vehicle makes and models available for sale in the United States in 2019. However, only a dozen or so were available at Nevada’s car dealerships that same year.

Many Nevadans want electric cars. Sometimes, folks are willing to travel out of state or buy cars online without a test drive, just to purchase their preferred model. Not only is this a hassle, but it means money that could be spent in the Silver State is going elsewhere. 

Adopting Clean Car Standards can help provide more electric vehicles in Nevada. In June of 2020, Governor Steve Sisolak announced the Clean Cars Nevada initiative, which could bring the Low-Emission Vehicles (LEV) and Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) programs to Nevada. 

The ZEV program in particular ensures that each year, automakers deliver more vehicles that are partly or fully zero emissions (such as plug-in hybrid or full electric vehicles) for sale in Nevada. The eleven states that have adopted the ZEV program have seen increased availability of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle models as a result. 

Read more »
Assemblyman Tom Roberts stands in front of a Nissan Leaf (pre-pandemic) while summarizing the economic benefits of electric vehicles and clean energy in Nevada.

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: Nevada legislators know the state’s future is electric

Plug In America

We all know buying a car is hard. But getting an electric model can be a truly difficult project.

There were over 40 electric vehicle makes and models available for sale in the United States in 2019. However, only a dozen or so were available at Nevada’s car dealerships that same year.

Many Nevadans want electric cars. Sometimes, folks are willing to travel out of state or buy cars online without a test drive, just to purchase their preferred model. Not only is this a hassle, but it means money that could be spent in the Silver State is going elsewhere. 

Adopting Clean Car Standards can help provide more electric vehicles in Nevada. In June of 2020, Governor Steve Sisolak announced the Clean Cars Nevada initiative, which could bring the Low-Emission Vehicles (LEV) and Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) programs to Nevada. 

The ZEV program in particular ensures that each year, automakers deliver more vehicles that are partly or fully zero emissions (such as plug-in hybrid or full electric vehicles) for sale in Nevada. The eleven states that have adopted the ZEV program have seen increased availability of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle models as a result. 

Read more »
Electric vehicles available for test drives during the Nevada Transportation Electrification Forum held in early 2020.

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: How do we get more electric vehicles available for sale in Nevada?

Plug In America

We all know buying a car is hard. But getting an electric model can be a truly difficult project.

There were over 40 electric vehicle makes and models available for sale in the United States in 2019. However, only a dozen or so were available at Nevada’s car dealerships that same year.

Many Nevadans want electric cars. Sometimes, folks are willing to travel out of state or buy cars online without a test drive, just to purchase their preferred model. Not only is this a hassle, but it means money that could be spent in the Silver State is going elsewhere. 

Adopting Clean Car Standards can help provide more electric vehicles in Nevada. In June of 2020, Governor Steve Sisolak announced the Clean Cars Nevada initiative, which could bring the Low-Emission Vehicles (LEV) and Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) programs to Nevada. 

The ZEV program in particular ensures that each year, automakers deliver more vehicles that are partly or fully zero emissions (such as plug-in hybrid or full electric vehicles) for sale in Nevada. The eleven states that have adopted the ZEV program have seen increased availability of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle models as a result. 

Read more »
Electric School Bus

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: Investing in Childrens’ Health with Electric School Buses

Plug In America

Transportation is Nevada’s biggest source of air pollution and greenhouse gases, and some of the worst vehicles on the roads are old, dirty diesel trucks and buses. To protect the health of Nevada’s children, we need to make sure more of their rides to school come from a zero-emissions electric school bus.

The 2019 State of the Air report from the American Lung Association gave Clark and Washoe Counties an F grade for ozone pollution, a major component of smog, and vehicle emissions are a primary cause. The ALA reports show that this air pollution has been getting worse. The 2020 State of the Air report ranks the Las Vegas-Henderson metro area as the 9th most polluted in the country for ozone and the 25th most polluted for particulate matter.

Air pollution from gas-powered vehicles including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds can worsen health problems. Children, the elderly, and people with conditions such as asthma or heart disease have a harder time breathing with these pollutants in the air. Low-income families and communities of color are often closer to major roads and bear the brunt of these health issues.

Read more »
Electric Vehicle Future

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: Creating a Brighter Future for Low-Income Families

Plug In America

Some neighborhoods face major health and economic problems because they’re surrounded by old, unreliable, and polluting vehicles. It’s important that we address these inequities and create an electric vehicle future for all.

Air pollution from gas-powered cars including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds can worsen health problems. Children, the elderly, and people with conditions such as asthma or heart disease have a harder time breathing with these pollutants in the air. Low-income families and communities of color are often closer to major roads and bear the brunt of these health issues.

On top of that, low-income families often struggle to get newer vehicles, and pay for it in the long run.

“A lot of these families are depending on very old, unreliable cars that may have been cheap to buy but are very expensive to maintain,” said Jeff Allen of Forth Mobility. “Electric vehicles can really help families begin to save more money and advance economically.”

Read more »
Clean Cars Nevada initiative

Electrifying Transportation in Nevada: What does Nevada’s Clean Cars rulemaking mean for businesses

E2 | Susan Nedell, Mountain West Advocate

Have you heard about the Clean Cars Nevada initiative, but are not sure what it is or if it will benefit your business? E2 and Ceres have you covered with a recorded virtual panel discussion: Electrifying Transportation in Nevada

During the discussion, a trio of experts explained the process to adopt Clean Car Standards by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), provided the latest electric vehicle (EV) market developments, and highlighted the benefits that transportation electrification — think more EVs and charging stations — will bring to the business community and all drivers across the state.

Jeffrey Kinder, Chief of the Bureau of Air Pollution Control at NDEP, set the stage for the panel with an overview of the state’s 2019 greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory and the GHG emission reduction targets established by the 2019 Legislature. In short, transportation (cars, trucks, buses, delivery vans, etc.) is the biggest contributor to GHG emissions in Nevada. In order to meet Nevada’s strong emissions reduction goals, the state must reduce pollution caused by transportation.

Read more »
Electric Vehicles in Nevada

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: A Variety of Electric Vehicle Options are Headed to Nevada

Plug In America

Get ready to change the way you think about electric vehicles in Nevada. Already, a range of cars are on the roads, from luxury Jaguars and Porches to affordable Leafs. There’s even an all-electric motorcycle available for sale. And when it comes to seeing more electric vehicles in Nevada, that’s just the beginning.

“In the next year or two, I think we’re going to start to see a lot of larger vehicles coming out — SUVs and pickup trucks,” said Joel Levin of Plug In America.

New companies are already racing to get these new options out to consumers. And it seems that every day, a major auto manufacturer announces that customers’ favorite truck and SUV models are going electric. That includes the vehicle that was once the poster child for gas guzzling — the Hummer. 

Read more »

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: Curious about EVs? Learn about the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.

Plug In America

People who drive EVs love their cars. Why? Because owning an electric vehicle is easy and saves drivers money.

First, let’s talk about sticker price. A brand new electric car in Nevada starts as low as $22,400, and cheaper options are on the way. Like all new technology, electric vehicles are becoming more affordable as they become more common. Another benefit of more EVs hitting the roads is that more certified pre-owned and used electric vehicles are becoming available at even lower prices.

But it’s after you buy that the benefits of owning an electric vehicle really start to add up. Electric vehicle drivers never need to pay for oil changes or smog checks. There are no belts to break. Brakes wear more slowly. EVs are low maintenance, and less maintenance means more money in your pocket.

Electric zero-emissions vehicles also save drivers money and time at the fuel pump. EV owners can drive right past the gas station and charge their vehicle at home while they sleep at night, or at work while they’re on the clock. If you compare the cost of electricity to gasoline, driving an EV in Nevada costs about $1.04 per e-gallon

Read more »
Fight Climate Change

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: Drive an Electric Vehicle to Fight Climate Change

Plug in America

Transportation is the biggest source of Nevada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Most of this air pollution comes from gas-powered cars, trucks, and buses, making them a top target as we work to fight climate change. According to the 2019 Nevada Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Projections, transportation will be the leading source of climate emissions for decades to come. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Nevadans can alter this course by adopting Clean Car Standards and driving more electric vehicles. Clean Car Standards include two components that enable states to fight climate change by reducing harmful emissions from passenger vehicles: Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and  a Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) program to put more clean electric vehicles on the road.

Read more »
Power Nevada’s economy

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: The EV industry can power Nevada’s economy!

Plug in America

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is bringing a whole new set of high-quality jobs to Nevada. The Tesla Gigafactory near Reno is one example, employing thousands of workers and becoming a major contributor to our state’s economic activity. More EVs lead to more jobs in our state.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunities here in this state for growth in this sector. It only makes sense that we leverage electric technology like EVs to propel us forward,” said Assemblyman Tom Roberts from District 13.

Nevada is also home to lithium deposits, an important material for the batteries found in EVs. This means even more opportunities to diversify the state’s economy. “We see an opportunity in bringing some of the [battery] supply chain into Nevada and helping Nevadans go to work in a new industry,” said Kristopher Sanchez from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

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Greater clean car standards

Greater clean-car standards vital for Nevada

Las Vegas Sun | Jasmine Vazin

Nevada is on the front lines of the climate crisis with two of the fastest warming cities, Las Vegas and Reno, in the nation.

Each year, extreme heat events — a series of unusually hot days — happen more frequently and for longer in our state. Heat is the single deadliest climate-related disaster in our nation, and the heat waves we’re experiencing here at home are a direct threat to the safety and security of Nevadans — now and for decades to come.

The impacts of climate change are being felt right now, especially by our most vulnerable. Our neighborhoods are getting hotter and more unbearable, and a history of oppressive redlining, loan blocking, and lack of resources from local governments has left communities of color — with more pavement and less trees than white neighborhoods — hit by the urban island heat effect the hardest. If we don’t act, intertwining social and environmental crises will continue to exacerbate existing inequities and hurt Nevadans.

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communities at higher risk

Nevadans have a real opportunity to make a difference for clean air

The Nevada Independent | Bernadette Longo

The heat wave we are experiencing here in Nevada is not just uncomfortable; it’s also part of a dangerous trend that we often overlook in our day-to-day lives. Scientific studies have confirmed the Earth’s climate is changing. Many observable changes are a result of the increased greenhouse gases emitted from human activities. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves are likely to become more frequent or more intense. The increased drought in the southwestern United States is placing our communities at higher risk for wildfires. But what do heat waves and wildfires have to do with health? The answer — it exacerbates pollution in the air we breathe.  

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Test drive an EV

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: Test drive an EV and see what all of the hype is about.

Plug in America | Nevada Transportation Electrification Forum

Electric vehicles are fun to drive. Test drive one and see for yourself! 

Today’s electric cars and trucks are like driving computers on wheels, or a spaceship as some point out, with more torque than you can handle. Because there’s an entirely new type of engine in these vehicles, they accelerate much faster than what most drivers are used to. A typical electric car can go from 0 to 60 in 2.4 to 7 seconds!

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Drive and electic vehicle, it's affordable

Electric Vehicle Spotlight: Think you can’t afford an electric vehicle? Think again!

Plug in America

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more prevalent. With more than 40 models available and many cars and trucks headed to showrooms in the next couple of years, Nevada consumers are asking: Can I afford to drive an electric vehicle?

For decades, buying a car or truck has meant factoring in not only the sticker price and monthly payment, but also the cost of regularly filling up the gas tank and replacing the many parts of an internal combustion engine that wear out over time. 

With an electric car or truck, those costs practically vanish.

“There are savings that consumers can experience as well by avoiding maintenance issues [and] avoiding having to fuel up all the time,” said Will Barrett with the American Lung Association. 

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Covid-19 pandemic has

Pandemic Won’t Stop Switch To EVs

Forbes | Mike Scott

The need to tackle climate change and local air quality, coupled with oil market volatility, will keep EV market on course for growth.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact across the economy, and the automotive sector is no exception. Consultancy BCG forecasts that “automotive sales most likely will decrease 14-22% among the China, US and European markets in 2020.”

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Showing an example of an electric bus

Electric vehicles are not just the wave of the future, they are saving lives today.

EarthJustice | EarthJustice Staff

It’s more than just passenger cars now — from New York to Mississippi, you may find yourself on a quiet, zipping electric transit bus. The first electric fire truck in the nation will be welcomed by Angelenos in 2021 — and in the coming years, electric sanitation trucks will be quietly gliding through neighborhoods to pick up garbage and recycling, and more electric trucks will be delivering packages from warehouses to homes, air pollution-free.

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Electric cars pave road to a cleaner, healthier, better-educated Nevada

Las Vegas Sun | Rochelle Nguyen

I got behind the wheel of an electric vehicle for the first time this year at an event co-hosted by Plug In America and Clark County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability.

I was excited to test out a car that’s so much better for the environment, and one that can save families like mine money at the pump.

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More Electric Vehicles Could Be Coming To Nevada

Nevada Public Radio | Bert Johnson

Governor Steve Sisolak announced this week his administration would pursue vehicle efficiency standards set by California.

That would mean more electric vehicles would be available for Nevadans to buy – and stricter fuel efficiency limits on gas-powered cars.

The policy would be based on the standards adopted by California. Officials say they’ll reduce air pollution and hopefully, reduce the impact of climate change in Nevada.

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electrifying Nevada’s transportation

Nevada’s clean car standards mean cleaner air for all

Reno Gazette Journal | Patricia Valderrama

Governor Steve Sisolak’s Monday announcement that Nevada may join the 14 states that have fully or partially adopted Clean Car Standards is his latest policy to help Nevadans drive electric. He signed the Nation’s Clean Car Promise. His administration joined nearly two dozen other states to defend their right to protect their citizens from smoggy air. He even signed legislation to get more electric school buses on the road.

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The state of Nevada is joining California and more than a dozen other states in a coalition advocating for tougher clean car standards that are supposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Nevada Latest State to Adopt Clean Car Standards

The Detroit Bureau | Joseph Szczesny

The state of Nevada is joining California and more than a dozen other states in a coalition advocating for tougher clean car standards that are supposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

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Nevada adopting stricter standards

Nevada adopting stricter car pollution standards

Las Vegas Review Journal | Colton Lochhead

CARSON CITY — Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that Nevada will move to adopt California’s auto-pollution standards, a move that comes as state officials have pushed back against the Trump administration’s decision to relax federal vehicle emission standards in recent months.

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Image of Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford

I’ll fight to protect health care, pocketbooks against clean car rollbacks

Reno Gazette Journal | Aaron Ford

Nevada faces an unprecedented public health and economic crisis due to the COVID-19 virus.

While Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has focused on fighting the virus and keeping families safe, the Trump administration has taken this opportunity to enact a political agenda that threatens the health of Nevadans. Recently, federal agencies finalized a rollback of clean car standards that were set to protect our lungs, save us money and fight climate change.

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rollback hurts Nevadans

Nevada officials express concern with federal rule weakening vehicle efficiency standards

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy

This rollback hurts Nevadans by undermining deployment of new clean vehicle technologies, increasing tailpipe emissions that harm public health, and exacerbating climate change through increased air pollution. And most importantly, it will cost consumers more money at the gas pump during these most difficult and uncertain financial times.

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Are electric vehicles really better for the climate? Yes.

Union of Concerned Scientists | David Reichmuth

Nevada faces an unprecedented public health and economic crisis due to the COVID-19 virus. While Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has focused on fighting the virus and keeping families safe, the Trump administration has taken this opportunity to enact a political agenda that threatens the health of Nevadans.

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Join Chispa Nevada

Nevada businesses key to electrified transportation

Reno Gazette Journal | Emily Duff and Katherine Stainken

As the year comes to a close, it’s exciting to reflect on the growth of the electric vehicle market and the progress we’ve made on clean energy as we prepare for opportunities to come in 2020. We’re not just thinking about the new EV models that are set to appear on the road, but also the states that are stepping up their leadership on clean energy and getting charged up for an electrified transportation future.

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electric vehicle charging stations

Nevada Adds EV Charging Stations to Its Growing Electric Highway

ENRSouthwest | Doug Puppel

What has been dubbed the “New Nevada” now meets the Old West in the state’s hardscrabble mining communities like Beatty and Tonopah. There, electric vehicle charging stations can be found amid the last-chance saloons, sagging buildings and “haunted” hotels typical of fading boomtowns.

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Nevada has a dirty air problem.

Facebook | Chispa Nevada

Air pollution disproportionately impacts communities of color. Latino children are twice as likely to die from asthma — and for African American children, that number is tenfold.

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Clean cars, clean air and clean skies

The Nevada Independent | Dr. Mary L. House

The year was 1982, and my husband Clinton and I were sitting on the sidewalk outside our Fresno, California apartment during an intense heatwave. While we typically stayed indoors to avoid summer heat, that day the heatwave had triggered a power outage. When I noticed the lights were still on at the property manager’s apartment and asked him why, he explained he had a solar-powered generator that stored energy for when he needed it, like during outages. He went on to explain how the generator also offset his utility costs. What he said sparked my curiosity. 

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Clean car standards give Americans freedom to save, no matter what they drive

Bluegreen Alliance | Bluegreen Alliance Staff

Now, just as people are looking at gas prices before they get on the road, we’re having a debate in Washington, D.C. about whether to continue America’s strong fuel economy and greenhouse gas reduction standards for cars, SUVs, and trucks. Thanks to those standards, millions of Americans who driving bigger vehicles—families taking their kids to the beach, contractors hauling equipment, farmers heading out to the fields—will be saving big at the pump.

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The Future of Transportation Is Electric

Union of Concerned Scientists | David Reichmuth

It’s clearer every day: the future of transportation is electric. We should be cheering this transition—and encouraging it, because along with the benefits for drivers, electrifying transportation is going to be a critical piece of fighting climate change.

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