Ballot question on renewable energy a boon for wildlife

Question 6 is the only initiative on the ballot that guarantees more renewable energy in Nevada.

the board. Some states even hit their targets early.

This goal isn’t a silver-bullet solution to the climate crisis on its own, of course. To avoid the worst consequences of climate change, we have to set even more ambitious targets. We also need to prioritize renewable energy sources that have the lowest impact on the environment.

Large, utility-owned renewable energy sources can have serious consequences if they’re not well-planned or -sited, especially in sensitive arid lands. Distributed solar, on the other hand, can be built on existing structures and help protect Nevada’s vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems. They even reduce strain on our state’s already precious water resources.

Distributed clean energy, such as rooftop solar, decreases our dependence on dirty fossil fuels and requires minimal water and land use. It also puts power directly into the hands of the people, enabling families and businesses to generate their own electricity right where they use it.

Fortunately, Nevada boasts enormous rooftop solar potential. We could meet almost 40 percent of our power needs with rooftop solar alone (that doesn’t even include other already-built spaces like parking lots). And yet we’re at less than 3 percent installed capacity for rooftop solar.

We should push for more incentives and better policies for rooftop and community solar, especially for low- and moderate-income Nevadans.

That’s why we should pass Question 6 to set stronger goals that support clean, wildlife-friendly energy. Climate change is a dire threat to Nevada’s natural and human communities.

Question 6 will help accelerate our transition away from dangerous fossil fuels and toward a better climate for wildlife and people.