Environment

signed · Nevada · Senate May 31, 2025

SB 276: Revises provisions relating to water. (BDR 40-750)

SB 276 requires cities, counties, water authorities, and Indian tribes in Nevada to report water quality data and incident information (like sewage spills or pollution) to the state Environmental Protection Division. It mandates that local entities notify affected neighboring governments and tribes during water incidents and prohibits contracts that block such information sharing. The bill creates a standardized reporting form and ensures all reported data becomes publicly available to relevant local entities and tribes. This directly affects local governments, water agencies, and tribal governments managing water resources across Nevada.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates reporting of water pollution incidents and public data access, strengthening oversight of water quality and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

in committee · Nevada · Senate Apr 12, 2025

SB 355: Revises provisions governing partial abatements of taxes for certain renewable energy facilities. (BDR 58-939)

SB 355 modifies tax abatement rules for renewable energy facilities in Nevada, specifically targeting projects that incorporate agrivoltaics (agricultural activities under solar panels) or ecovoltaics (conservation activities under solar panels). The bill requires that at least 36% of a facility’s total area must be devoted to these systems during the abatement period to qualify for automatic approval. This eliminates the need for the Director of Energy and county commissioners to verify that financial benefits to the state exceed tax revenue losses or that the project aligns with economic development plans. The change directly affects renewable energy developers seeking tax relief who integrate these dual-use systems, streamlining approvals for qualifying projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax abatement incentive for renewable energy agrivoltaics/ecovoltaics by setting automatic approval criteria, advancing tax policy for clean energy development.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyModifies tax abatements to incentivize agrivoltaics/ecovoltaics in renewable energy facilities, requiring 36% area use for automatic approval, advancing renewable infrastructure development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill incentivizes renewable energy with environmental co-benefits (agrivoltaics/conservation) by requiring 36% land use for these systems, advancing clean energy and conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Tax Incentives Renewable Energy Solar Conservation

Track

signed · Nevada · Senate Jun 11, 2025

SB 15: Revises various provisions relating to governmental administration. (BDR 30-464)

SB 15 modifies several Nevada administrative laws without creating new programs. It allows Clark County (and cities in counties with endangered species funds) to use conservation fees for habitat conservation plans and adjust fees for inflation starting in 2026. The bill also updates office hours for county treasurers (requiring them to stay open until at least 5 p.m.) and revises tax delinquency notice deadlines to align with business hours. Additionally, it removes a requirement for school district officials to report to county governing bodies and updates procedures for franchise applications. These changes primarily affect county officials, conservation programs, and tax administration processes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllows conservation fees for habitat conservation plans, directly advancing environmental protection efforts through funding reallocation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

signed · Nevada · Assembly Jun 3, 2025

AB 104: Revises provisions relating to water. (BDR 48-383)

AB 104 establishes the Nevada Voluntary Water Rights Retirement Program, allowing the state to purchase or accept donations of legal groundwater rights for retirement (e.g., to protect rivers or recharge aquifers) through a dedicated account. It sets a hard deadline: the program will stop accepting new applications or donations after June 30, 2035, and requires the State Engineer to retire any purchased rights. The bill also modifies water conservation grant programs to include funding for replacing grass with water-efficient landscaping and adjusts eligibility criteria based on median household income. Additionally, it updates temporary water permit rules, expands water reuse policies, and revises water quality standard procedures. The law aims to conserve water resources while providing clear, time-bound mechanisms for rights retirement and grant administration.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Nevada Voluntary Water Rights Retirement Program to protect rivers and recharge aquifers by retiring groundwater rights, directly conserving water resources and enhancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

signed · Nevada · Assembly Jun 6, 2025

AB 561: Makes a supplemental appropriation to the Division of Forestry of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for an unanticipated shortfall related to firefighting costs. (BDR S-1176)

AB 561 provides $18,589,145 in supplemental funding from the State General Fund to the Division of Forestry within the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This funding addresses an unanticipated shortfall in firefighting costs that exceeded the original budget allocation. The bill directly affects the Division of Forestry by enabling it to cover unexpected wildfire suppression expenses. It is a supplemental appropriation, meaning it adds to previously approved funding (specifically referencing the 2023 budget) rather than creating new spending. The measure becomes effective immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides $18.5M supplemental funding to cover unanticipated firefighting costs, directly supporting essential public service budgeting and fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds wildfire suppression for forest conservation, directly supporting natural resource protection and firefighting operations under the Division of Forestry.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry

signed · Nevada · Assembly May 27, 2025

AB 493: Revises provisions relating to the collection, disposal and retirement of certain types of waste. (BDR 40-424)

AB 493 requires that propulsion batteries (used in electric vehicles) be disposed of through specialized recyclers, not in regular landfills, and mandates labeling with provider contact information. Battery providers must ensure battery health data is accessible, and recyclers, secondary handlers, and providers must report disposal activities to the state environmental agency. These rules apply to all propulsion batteries sold in the state, affecting manufacturers, recyclers, and auto wreckers handling electric vehicle batteries. The bill also prohibits landfill disposal and sets reporting requirements for waste management compliance.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPromotes EV battery recycling, supporting clean transportation infrastructure and reducing landfill waste from electric vehicles, aligning with renewable energy adoption goals.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires specialized recycling of EV batteries, prevents landfill disposal, mandates reporting to environmental agency, reducing pollution and strengthening regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Storage Recycling Waste Management

vetoed · Nevada · Assembly Jun 11, 2025

AB 414: Revises provisions relating to occupational safety and health. (BDR 53-666)

AB 414 requires employers at qualifying "large hybrid environment facilities" (defined as 10,000+ square feet where workers face outdoor elements >50% of shifts) with over 15 employees to add specific air quality protections to their written safety programs. Key provisions mandate turning off vehicle engines during loading/unloading (except refrigerated units), monitoring air quality every 4 hours, and implementing ventilation if unsafe levels are detected. Exemptions cover law enforcement, emergency responders, waste management, towing services, and state agencies. The bill was passed by both chambers in June 2025 but was vetoed by the Governor on June 11, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates turning off vehicle engines during loading/unloading, reducing emissions and aligning with pollution control.80% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates air quality monitoring, engine shutdowns, and ventilation for workplace safety in large facilities, directly strengthening worker protection standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Waste Management Workplace Safety

Track

signed · Nevada · Assembly Jun 6, 2025

AB 578: Makes appropriations to the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the replacement of computer and information technology equipment, vehicles and other equipment and for certain projects. (BDR S-1217)

AB 578 provides $6,000,000 from the State General Fund to the Division of Forestry for conservation projects under Nevada’s Shared Stewardship Agreement, plus specific allocations for equipment and maintenance. It includes $67,279 for computer/IT equipment replacement, $2,048,082 for deferred maintenance, $2,592,156 for vehicle replacements, and smaller sums for camp facilities and equipment over two fiscal years. All funds must be spent by specified deadlines (June 30, 2027, or September 17, 2027) or reverted to the State General Fund. The bill directly affects the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Forestry Division and its operational projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $6M from State General Fund for equipment/maintenance under conservation projects, directly advancing budget appropriations for state operations.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates $6M for forestry conservation projects under Nevada's Shared Stewardship Agreement, including specific funding for maintenance, equipment, and vehicle replacements directly supporting environmental conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry

signed · Nevada · Senate Jun 6, 2025

SB 36: Revises provisions relating to water. (BDR 48-384)

SB 36 creates the Nevada Voluntary Water Rights Retirement Program, allowing the state to buy or accept donations of decreed or certificated groundwater rights for conservation purposes. The program, administered by the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, must cease accepting new applications or donations after June 30, 2035. Purchased or donated rights must be retired by the State Engineer, prohibiting new water appropriations for those retired rights. This policy change explicitly adds permanent groundwater retirement as a qualifying activity for state water conservation grants, updating existing grant program requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates voluntary water rights retirement program for conservation, retiring groundwater rights to protect water resources and prevent new appropriations, directly advancing environmental conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

signed · Nevada · Assembly May 29, 2025

AB 194: Prohibits the release of certain balloons that are lighter than air under certain circumstances. (BDR 15-338)

AB 194 prohibits intentionally releasing, organizing, or causing the release of 10 or more helium or hydrogen-filled balloons (lighter-than-air) within a 24-hour period. It directly affects event organizers or individuals planning large balloon releases, such as celebrations or promotions. Violations carry a $250 civil penalty per balloon over the limit, recoverable by the Attorney General or local prosecutors. Exemptions include hot air balloons (if recovered), research balloons, and balloons released indoors. The law aims to reduce public safety risks from mass balloon releases, which can cause hazards like power outages or wildlife harm.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits mass balloon releases, reducing plastic pollution and wildlife harm, aligning with environmental protection goals.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife