LCV Names Don Gustavson to the Inaugural State Level

Reno, NV - Today, the national League of Conservation Voters (LCV), which works to turn environmental values into national priorities, announced the inaugural state-level Dirty Dozen program. Don Gustavon is one of the 12 candidates for state office from around the country named to the for his consistent votes against clean energy policies and conservation initiatives. The Nevada Conservation League will work to defeat Gustavson during the remaining months of the election.

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Letter to the Editor - Climate Change has Real Effect on Global Poverty

By MONICA BRETT

In his Monday letter to the editor, headlined “New energy policy would lift Nevada,” Scot Rutledge of the Nevada Conservation League correctly points out the positive impact that comprehensive climate and energy legislation would have on Nevada.

I would like to add that climate change also poses one of the greatest challenges in the 21st century in efforts to reduce global poverty and promote development

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Letter to the Editor - New Energy Policy Would Lift Nevada

By SCOT RUTLEDGE

The news last week that the Senate will not take up comprehensive climate and energy legislation is disappointing, but I am very grateful for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s hard work on this issue over the past two years. Additionally, the early and courageous support by Reps. Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus gave Nevadans hope that we would see a new energy policy that would bring jobs to our community.

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Energy chief stuns environmentalists with renewable energy approach

By Stephanie Tavares

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Nevada’s energy director dropped a bombshell a few weeks ago when he issued a combat-themed declaration about the future of renewable energy in the state.

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Face to Face with Executive Director, Scot Rutledge

Listen in as Executive Director, Scot Rutledge, discusses the legislative scorecard on Face to Face.

Click here to watch

Green Tie Event a Huge Sucess

The Nevada Conservation League (NCL) hosted their first Green Tie fundraiser on Monday, March 29, 2010 at the Historic Fifth Street School. Over 230 guests attended this premier event in their green ties and green finery.  

Executive Director, Scot Rutledge introduced the organization’s new short film – “Harry Reid: Nevada’s Clean Energy Pioneer” - honoring Nevada’s senior Senator and Majority Leader, Harry Reid. The film features business and community leaders who have direct experience with Senator Reid’s unwavering efforts to help Nevada’s economy and create jobs by developing the state’s clean energy resources and protecting its unique beauty and natural resources.

Jeneane Harter, NCL’s Board Chair, introduced Senator Reid to the gathering of over 230 guests. The senator graciously thanked the crowd and spent some time with a number of guests discussing our clean energy future for Nevada and the country.

State Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford and Assembly Majority Leader and future Speaker, John Oceguera, addressed the crowd briefly about the important collaborative work of the Nevada Conservation League and how valuable it is as the independent voice of the conservation community.

The guests partied until the very end to the sounds of Douglas Gibbs and David Bobzien and were feted with delicious hors d'oeuvres and bite-size desserts by Creative Catering. Beverages were donated by Southern Wine & Spirits and Wirtz Beverage.  Photography was provided by Garret Winslow and Jennifer Maupin and event printing was generously donated by A&B Printing.

The event’s success could not have been possible without the support of the Host Committee and Sponsors.

NCL Releases 2010 Early Endorsements

For Immediate Release                                                            Monday, March 15, 2010

Contact:  Kyle Davis, Political Director (775) 338-6732

Nevada Conservation League Releases 2010 Early Endorsements

Las Vegas, NV – The Nevada Conservation League released their early endorsements in the 2010 election today.  The organization endorses pro-conservation candidates in state legislative races.  The early endorsements are reserved for incumbent lawmakers with a strong pro-conservation voting record.

“These elected officials have demonstrated a strong regard for conservation issues in their work in the Nevada Legislature,” said Scot Rutledge, Nevada Conservation League Executive Director. “The Nevada Conservation League’s board of directors and staff are proud to stand behind the re-election of these public officials.”

“Given the challenges that will face the 2011 Legislature, it is crucially important that Nevadans return these intelligent and capable legislators to Carson City in 2010,” said Kyle Davis, Nevada Conservation League Political Director.

Read more: NCL Releases 2010 Early Endorsements

Hard Sell

From environmentalists to builders, many say statewide home energy audits could soothe our ailing housing market -- so why are Nevada realtors fighting the new standards?

Las Vegas City Life - 3.4.10
by JASON WHITED

With the Las Vegas real estate market in the toilet, it seems many Nevadans are looking for anything to stop the long, precipitous slide.

For the past several years, an unlikely alliance of builders, environmentalists and state lawmakers has developed what they've called a winning solution: required energy audits on the sale of each new home in the state. By the time new state requirements governing these inspections take effect next January, experts said, the audit requirements -- initially passed by the Legislature in 2007 and updated by state lawmakers in 2009 -- could help establish entirely new selling points for the tens of thousands of homes still standing empty. Yet, as these interest groups, policy experts and businessmen work feverishly with state energy officials to flesh out energy audit standards in advance of the 2011 deadline, many among this ad hoc, green consortium complain that local realtors are pushing back hard, slowing the possible transformation of Las Vegas from an anemic residential market into a robust, energy-efficient money maker.

"Local governments support this, builders support this, we support this, even the governor's energy office is trying to make this happen. The only real opposition to this is coming from the realtors," said Scot Rutledge, executive director of the Nevada Conservation League, a group that's worked closely with builders and government officials on the new energy audit standards.

Read more here.

Would closing state parks to save money do more harm than good?

The Nevada Legislature is thinking of closing state parks as it considers how to patch an estimated $900 million budget gap, a move that would save a few million dollars while killing the economies of rural towns and stunting tourism efforts across the state, opponents of the idea say. Gov. Jim Gibbons has suggested a 10 percent budget reduction for a number of agencies, including the State Parks Division.

Click here for the story

Inside Nevada Politics

The Democratic-leaning Nevada Conservation League endorsed Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid for governor today.

So far, Reid is the only Democrat in the governor's race. Three Republicans are competing in a primary.

The league, which recently lambasted Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons' record on its issues, said Reid has a proven record on conservation issues during his time on the commission. The league was also impressed with Reid's campaign platform on renewable energy.

Find the blog here.