Lombard promotes energy independence and natural gas

Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo’s executive order issued a statement Monday on the state’s future energy policy, a sharp contrast to the energy proposals of his Democratic predecessor.

Lombardi’s seventh executive order since taking office in January calls for a diverse energy portfolio that includes natural gas, which former Gov. Steve Sisolak had sought to keep in his administration.

The new energy policy of the state brings to light affordable rates and credit to consumers, as well as increasing the energy state to ensure sufficient power during the peak summer months.

“Advancing Nevada’s energy independence will stimulate economic development, lead to job creation, drive low-cost energy for Nevadans, and reduce carbon emissions for future Nevadans,” the executive order says.

The average Nevadan pays $110.36 for electricity, about $10 less than the national average, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

For industrial freedom

Lombard wants to make Nevada a regional leader in industrial exports. The state will continue to participate in the “organized Western energy market” if it can help achieve the goals of reliability, affordability and sustainability of the state, the executive order says.

The Energy Commissioner’s Office has been working with other states on the future of the western grid since 2019. Since 2011, Nevada’s renewable energy production has tripled, and the state is exporting solar and geothermal power to neighboring states, according to the 2012 State of Nevada. Energy Report.

Lombard also urged the state to implement policies that would streamline the permitting process for energy projects and reduce regulations, ensuring proper environmental and cultural reviews. These priority streamlines have state agencies and their parties review their energy applications simultaneously, rather than one by one, according to the executive order.

The order recognizes the goal of the state, set in 2019, to reach 50 percent of the renewable energy portfolio by 2030. In 2021, renewables are estimated to account for approximately 30 percent of total power generation, with natural gas power contributing the most, at 62.58 percent; according to the 2012 Nevada State Energy Report.

return to natural gas

Lombardi’s executive order states that Nevada will “advance balanced energy use and development” by using all forms of energy, including natural gas for both homes and businesses, as well as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric and hydrogen power.

“Sustainability must be pursued while affordable and reliable energy is available to all Nevadans,” the organization’s executive order says.

That is contrary to Sisolak’s plan. His 2021 climate plan stated that the country’s proposed renewable energy path would require a transition away from natural gas. Although natural gas power plants emit less greenhouse gases than coal-fired ones, they still cause negative health effects due to the released chemicals such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, Sisolak noted.

But the council said consumer choice, affordability and equity must be considered before completely eliminating natural gas as a fuel. The Sisolak administration recommends that consumers start choosing between gas and electric in new construction or home renovations to switch from gas.

The reaction of public service companies

Southwest Gas Corp. Lombardo praised the order.

“We commend Governor Lombardi for his inclusive, practical, and balanced approach to building roads that support the energy, economic, and climate goals of the state; “We believe your recent executive order sends a strong message to the energy industry confirming that natural gas is an essential part of delivering a truly resilient and secure energy future for all Nevadans,” Amy Washburn, spokeswoman for Southwest Gas, in an email. our country, creating opportunities for economic development”.

NV Energy also confirmed the move: “Today’s executive order enables Nevadans and energy businesses to mitigate the risks of volatile energy markets now and in the future,” the company said in a statement. release “The development of adequate electric generation and transmission is critical to ensuring that an adequate supply of electric power is available to meet the needs of NV Energy customers. Governor Lombardi’s leadership puts Nevada on a clear path to greater energy independence to maintain reliable power for its citizens, especially during the hot summer months they are asking for peaks”.

But some conservationists and renewable energy activists are not happy with the president’s order, saying it “lacks character.”

“The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has just warned that the planet will reach dangerous levels of warming in the early 2030s,” said Angelyn Tabalba, director of communications for the Nevada Conservation League, in a statement. To avoid this, we must immediately reduce the use of fossil fuels, including methane gas. “With the help of this executive order, the direction of gas through Nevada is wrong.”

Patrick Donnelly agreed.

“Governor Lombard issued this outrageous executive order for fossil fuels in his administration,” Donnelly, director of the Great Basin at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. “Instead of accelerating the transition to renewable energy, the Governor uses his pulpit to advocate for continued destruction of the fossil fuel industry.”