Climate Change and Environmental Action
I grew up in the Boy Scouts, and one of my greatest achievements as a young adult was achieving the rank of Eagle. Through this program, I spent many weekends of my childhood hiking Red Rock, camping in the Valley of Fire, bouldering in Keyhole Canyon, and soaking in Gold Strike hot springs and the Colorado River. My love of the natural world expanded even more in high school as I took outdoor leadership courses and led youth camping trips.
Not only did I get to learn an appreciation of the environment in my youth, I also came of age in an era of existential environmental threat. I don’t think I have ever known Las Vegas outside of its extreme drought conditions. In my classrooms, we learned about greenhouse gas emissions and the hope for green technology, yet we matured along with the climate crisis, witnessing devastating “100 year storms,” wildfires, and other lethal emergencies. Gen Z quickly learned our political system was broken and ineffective. Our generation is unprecedented in our level of education, digital connectedness, and anger at the status quo, which is why it is unsurprising we have birthed activists like Greta Thunberg and the Sunrise Movement. Politics as usual will not save us. This is the frame of mind that many people my age view environmental action, and it is the approach I will take in governance when it comes to the climate crisis.
Policy Priorities
Light Rail and Public Transit: Las Vegas is the largest metro area in the mountain west without a light rail system. Investing in robust public transit lowers emissions, reduces traffic congestion by removing cars off the road, promotes healthier lifestyles through encouraging walking, and gives independence to individuals unable to drive. We cannot build the future we need without public transit.
The “Bike Bill” - I want to follow the lead of Oregon. In the 1970s, they passed their famous “bike bill” that allocated 1% of the state highway fund to biking and pedestrian infrastructure projects. Eventually the percentage was raised to 2%. Over the course of several decades, Portland has become a national example of walkability and public transit. I think designating a portion of the highway fund to advance transportation justice is just one of many policies that we can try.
Preserving Public Lands - Our public lands are beautiful, ecologically necessary, and serve the general population in terms of outdoor recreation. These lands deserve to remain public instead of sold to the highest bidder. We should focus on in-fill development and use the 82,000 acres of land that is already available to us.
Clean Energy Transition: Nevada has made commitments for a clean energy transition with benchmarks to hit by 2030 and 2050. We are not on track to reach our goals. This is unacceptable, and I would do everything to bring us back on the path to renewables as your representative in Carson.
Energy Efficiency: Investments in energy efficiency are an important part of the green energy transition. Homes, buildings, and products that are built efficiently use less power and put less strain on the grid. I propose that the state upgrade public buildings to lead by example in this effort.
Environmental Bills from last session that I would happily support:
From the 83rd Legislative Session →AB 09:This bill, sponsored by the committee on Natural Resources, gives ranchers and farmers more flexibility to temporarily convert their water rights for conservation and water quality efforts.
From the 83rd Legislative Session →AB 244: This bill, sponsored by assembly member Considine, would reduce our exposure to styrofoam, creating a phase-out approach. This bill was vetoed by Governor Lombardo, but we should definitely bring it back.
From the 83rd Legislative Session →AB 456: This bill, sponsored by assembly members Moore and Considine, would protect low-income Nevadans from dangerous weather conditions by banning utility shut-offs during extreme weather. Governor Lombardo vetoed this bill, and I think we need to bring it back.
From the 83rd Legislative Session →SB 173: This bill, sponsored by Senator Neal, bans toxic forever chemicals like PFAS and other “Black Plastics.” The bill also includes heat mitigation measures to protect Nevadans from extreme heat.
From the 83rd Legislative Session →SB 393: This bil, sponsored by Senator Neal, amends the Windsor Park Environmental Justice Act to expand eligibility of the original bill and other important amendments.
I have a personal connection to this bill as a UNLV Film Alum. Our docs program made a short documentary about the Windsor Park community and their struggles. I have been aware of this racial and environmental injustice for several years, and I pledge to be a part of the solution.
