July 9, 2025 | Caitlin Gatchalian, Nevada Representative
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The 83rd Nevada Legislative Session brought both promising wins and sobering roadblocks for clean energy and utility policy. With Republican Governor Joe Lombardo often cautious about regulation and a Democratic-controlled Legislature working to push forward progressive priorities, the political terrain required careful navigation. At the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), we entered the session focused on advancing affordability, equity, and accountability in the state’s energy systems.
We tracked 12 energy-related bills and lobbied actively on nine of them, meeting one-on-one with legislators, delivering customized policy information to all 63 lawmaker offices, and building support through partnerships with organizations such as AARP, United Way, Vote Solar, and the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition. From testimony to our advocacy efforts, we aimed to advance policies that reduce energy cost burdens and expand access to clean technologies — especially for low-income and historically underserved communities.
A handful of key wins emerged from this work. Assembly Bill (AB) 452, which initiates a formal investigation into how fuel costs are passed on to utility customers, was signed into law and will bring long-overdue transparency to rate-setting. Another measure that will become law, Senate Bill (SB) 442, requires the Public Utilities Commission to create rules that make utility companies share public reports about when they shut off service to people’s homes— laying a foundation for better consumer protections. AB458, which expands solar access for affordable housing, and AB256, which facilitates coordinated planning for future mass transit and signals progress towards a more inclusive, low-carbon transportation system, both passed. We were also pleased to see SB132 — an appropriation to support the Nevada Clean Energy Fund, Nevada’s only green bank that provides funding in clean energy, energy efficiency, and other climate-friendly projects — signed into law, even at a reduced funding level during a statewide budget deficit.
But not all outcomes were positive. Some of the most important consumer protection measures failed to advance. AB456, which would have strengthened safeguards for utility customers at risk of disconnection, was denied a hearing. Meanwhile, SB417 — legislation that enables formula-based rate-setting for Southwest Gas — was passed despite our persistent opposition and that of many community advocates, who are concerned that this will reduce regulatory oversight and automatically pass utility costs to consumers without sufficient review or justification. A significant factor in these outcomes was the coordinated influence of utility interests, who aligned with labor and business groups to shape legislative momentum. This dynamic made it more difficult for pro-consumer and pro-climate policies to gain traction.
Additional setbacks included the death of AB528, a green building tax abatement measure that unfortunately was unable to make it through the legislative process before the final session deadline. AB493, which aimed to strengthen electric vehicle and solar battery recycling standards, was watered down to the point that we ultimately stepped back our support.
Despite the obstacles, the session underscored the power of strong coalitions united in advancing a more affordable, sustainable and prosperous future for Nevadans. Our work alongside environmental, equity, and clean energy allies helped advance critical bills and lay the groundwork for future progress. These relationships will be essential as we head into the interim period and begin shaping our 2027 policy platform.
Looking ahead, we’re applying what we learned in 2025 to sharpen our strategy and expand our success. That includes earlier coalition-building with a broader set of stakeholders, deeper collaboration with community organizers, and a renewed focus on public education to ensure Nevadans understand how utility and energy policy affect their everyday lives. We’ll also continue to monitor agency implementation of the bills that did pass — especially AB452 and SB442 — to ensure legislative intent becomes reality.
Progress is never linear. But in a year marked by complex dynamics and shifting alliances, SWEEP and our partners stayed focused on our mission. We remain committed to building a Nevada energy future that is cleaner, fairer, and more affordable for all.
