In a battle of endorsements, clean energy groups weigh in on upcoming ballot measures.
In a joint statement, Solar Energy Industries Association and the Vote Solar Action Fund announced its support for Question 6. If passed, it would require all Nevada electric service providers to generate or acquire at least half their power from renewable sources by 2030.
The groups called it the only ballot initiative dedicated to increasing renewable energy.
“We are proud to work with a strong and diverse local coalition to support Question 6, the only measure on the November ballot that is guaranteed to significantly increase the amount of Nevada’s electricity that comes from homegrown renewable sources like solar energy,” said Jessica Scott with the Vote Solar Action Fund.
Though taking a subtle jab (“the only measure…”) at Question 3, which would amend the Nevada constitution to allow customers to buy electricity on the open market, neither Vote Solar Action Fund nor SEIA have taken an official position on the ballot question.
Other renewable energy groups have offered opinions.
The Geothermal Resources Council Policy Committee, which promotes the development and utilization of geothermal energy, opposed Question 3 saying it would “disrupt Nevada’s progress on renewable energy by paralyzing future clean energy projects across the state.” Nevada ranks second in the U.S. for geothermal development.
Meantime, Question 3 received an endorsement Thursday from the Las Vegas Urban League, which provides economic and social support for low-income and minority communities. In a statement Aug. 30, the group said the ballot measure would help lower power bills and increase clean energy.
“Part of our mission at the Urban league is to help residents save on electricity through energy efficiency projects,” says Kevin Hooks, president and CEO of the Urban League. “I’ve seen first-hand how lowering someone’s power bill can be the difference between being on government assistance or not.”
Mi Familia Vota, a national nonprofit with a record of active organization within Southern Nevada’s Latino communities, had the opposite stance when it came out against Question 3 Aug. 17.
“Average electricity rates in all 14 deregulated states are higher than Nevada’s rates, and low-income and minority consumers in those states have been targeted by predatory marketing and sales scams,” said Alicia Contreras, Nevada state director for Mi Familia Vota, in a statement.
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