Sustainability
Colorado River basin states pitch two alternative plans
After months of tense discussion over the future of the Colorado River, western states that depend on the river’s water submitted two competing plans for how it should be managed in the long-term on Wednesday. Current guidelines for managing the river expire at the end of 2026. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will now consider […]
Impacts of court groundwater decision still a long way off, top water regulator tells lawmakers
After years of groundwater decline and failed legislative action, a court decision in January affirmed the state’s right to limit groundwater pumping using the most current scientific data, but full implementation of the ruling may take some time. Last week, the state engineer — Nevada’s top water regulator — expanded on how the state will […]
Dirty air calls for cars powered by clean energy, say advocates
Clean air and clean energy advocates are calling on the Biden administration and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enact the strongest standards possible to reduce emissions from vehicles beginning with 2027 models in an effort to improve health and combat climate change. Last year the EPA announced proposed standards to be phased in on […]
NV Energy proposes monthly service charge jump of $28 in Northern Nevada
The basic service charge of $16.50 paid monthly by NV Energy customers in Northern Nevada could increase to $44.40 if the utility has its way. The utility says the move is a means of reducing a $7.8 million subsidy paid by ratepayers who buy electricity from the utility, to the benefit of solar rooftop customers, […]
Lithium: Hot or not?
When they embarked on political careers that would lead them both to the U.S. Senate, a pair of Nevada Democratic politicians – Harry Reid and Richard Bryan – were dubbed the “gold dust” twins. More than half a century later, the phrase “lithium carbonate twins” doesn’t have as cute a ring to it. But it’s […]
Lawmakers need statewide lithium plan, says conservation group
There are more than 80 lithium projects proposed on Nevada’s public lands as the nation races to power the green energy transition. Now conservation groups are looking to state lawmakers to establish a rule-making process that would help reduce the establishment of mines in areas of greatest conflict. Despite a growing interest in lithium mining, […]
February’s atmospheric river doesn’t compensate for dry January
A strong Pacific storm system brought flooding rains to California and heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada, but drought concerns continue for Nevada as persistent dry and warm temperatures cut into the state’s snowpack. February brought the first atmospheric river of the winter into the Sierra, and while the storm system improved conditions significantly it […]
Changes to Tahoe development spur lawsuit
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency violated its half-a-century old federal compact prohibiting development that would jeopardize Lake Tahoe’s environment and the safety of residents and visitors, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in federal court in California. In December, the TRPA approved amendments to its development code that allow increased density and reduced parking requirements, […]
Tiny rare snail in Nevada inches toward ESA listing
A tiny rare Nevada snail just inched closer to being listed as an endangered or threatened species after federal wildlife managers found that protection for the species may be warranted. Following a three month review, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Wednesday that an in-depth status review of the Kings River pyrg— a small […]
Biden administration to temporarily halt some export approvals for liquified natural gas
The U.S. Energy Department will pause approvals of new exports of liquified natural gas to all countries without a free trade agreement with the United States, Secretary Jennifer Granholm and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said on a press call Thursday. They said the agency is readying a new review framework that could […]
Killing for fun: Animal advocates seek end to bear hunt
The killing of two mother bears during Nevada’s 2023 bear hunt is fueling calls from animal advocates for an end to the state’s for-sport hunt, or a decrease in the annual quota that allows 50 bears to be killed each year. They’re also asking the state’s Wildlife Commission, which meets Friday, to prohibit hounding, the […]
Conservationists demand end to mineral claims in Amargosa Desert
Conservation groups are calling on federal land managers to ban mineral claims on thousands of acres of land surrounding a treasured wildlife refuge in the Amargosa Desert. Last summer, the Bureau of Land Management approved a lithium exploration project by Canada-based Rover Metals to drill up to 30 exploratory boreholes just north of the Ash […]