Media contacts:
- ASAP, Brian Fadie, bfadie@standardsasap.org, 202-672-1387
- Nevada Conservation League, Angelyn Tabalba, angelyn@nevadaconservationleague.org, 808-232-9269
- SWEEP, Ellen Zuckerman, ezuckerman@swenergy.org, 609-610-2989
Carson City, NV – The Nevada Legislature passed a bill today to reduce the energy and water waste of 13 common consumer and business products including water coolers, computer monitors, and home ventilating fans. The measure now heads to Governor Sisolak’s desk.
Assembly Bill 383 provides access to the most technologically advanced appliances while removing the least efficient, energy-guzzling, and water-wasting products from the market. In doing so, it saves tens of millions each year through lower utility electricity bills – all at a time when Nevada needs it the most.
Estimates by the Appliance Standards Awareness Project conclude that the bill will save Nevadans more than $29 million per year by 2035 and remove the carbon emissions equivalent of 28,000 cars from our roads.
“Energy efficiency is one of the most common-sense options to address climate change while saving money for our families and businesses,” said Assemblyman Howard Watts. “I am excited to see Nevada take the lead in establishing energy efficiency standards for appliances. We are setting an example for other states and the federal government to follow.”
The bill was supported by a diverse coalition of consumer, business, and environmental groups.
“We are encouraged to see lawmakers taking action on key policies in the Nevada Climate Strategy,” said Brian Fadie, State Policy Associate with the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP). “Appliance standards are one of our most effective tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for boosting public health by eliminating toxic air pollution.”
“The action taken by the State Legislature on appliance efficiency standards is a great victory for Nevada consumers and businesses. They will enjoy significant savings on their utility bills over time while helping to address climate change,” said Mel Hall-Crawford, Director of Energy Programs for the Consumer Federation of America.
“This bill is a win-win-win for Nevada consumers who want to save energy, save money, and protect the environment,” said Ellen Zuckerman, Co-Director of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). “Nevada needs more investments that pay for themselves, protect vulnerable populations, and preserve our precious natural resources like water. This legislation does just that.”
"The climate crisis coupled with the devastating pandemic calls on us to pass policy solutions that benefit the environment and protect consumers,” said Christi Cabera, Policy and Advocacy Director for Nevada Conservation League. “AB 383 does exactly that by improving our energy efficiency standards for appliances. This is estimated to eliminate more than 1 million tons of CO2 from our atmosphere and yield Nevadans cost savings of $29 million per year by 2035."
“Nevada already has some of the nation’s strongest minimum efficiency standards for lighting. With the passage of AB 383, the Silver State will continue making progress, joining other states in setting wallet-friendly standards for commonly used appliances,” said Dylan Sullivan, Senior Scientist with the Climate & Clean Energy Program for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council).
"Energy efficient appliances don't mean consumers lose any functionality. Energy efficient appliances mean consumers use less energy and thereby save money on their monthly electric bills,” said Matthew Casale with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG).
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About Assemblyman Howard Watts
Assemblyman Watts was first elected to the Nevada Legislature in 2018. A Las Vegas native and UNLV graduate, he currently serves as the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and Vice Chair of the Committee on Growth and Infrastructure.
About the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP)
ASAP organizes and leads a broad-based coalition effort that works to advance, win, and defend new appliance, equipment and lighting standards that deliver large energy and water savings, monetary savings and environmental benefits. For more information, visit: www.appliance-standards.org
About the Consumer Federation of America (CFA)
The Consumer Federation of America is a national organization of more than 250 nonprofit consumer groups that was founded in 1968 to advance the consumer interest through research, advocacy, and education.
About NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)
NRDC is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.
About the Nevada Conservation League (NCL)
The Nevada Conservation League is the independent voice of Nevada’s conservation community. We work to maintain and enhance the natural character of Nevada and the quality of life for Nevadans through effective advocacy, the election of pro-conservation candidates, and building collaboration. For more information, visit: nevadaconservationleague.org
About the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)
The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project is a public interest organization advancing more efficient energy use and clean transportation options in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. For more information, visit: www.swenergy.org
About U.S. PIRG
U.S. PIRG stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten our health, our financial security, or our right to fully participate in our democracy.
