Major businesses today praised Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak for showing leadership on climate action and a commitment to reduce emissions and expand clean energy in the Silver State.
On Tuesday, Gov. Sisolak announced that Nevada would join the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 22 governors working to address climate change and advance the goals of the Paris Agreement. With this commitment, Gov. Sisolak is sending a message to the business community that he is serious about growing Nevada’s clean energy economy.
“We applaud Gov. Sisolak for taking this important step forward on Nevada’s path to a low-carbon future,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations at Ceres, a sustainability nonprofit organization working with influential investors and companies in Nevada. “Gov. Sisolak has made it clear he understands the business case for clean energy. We look forward to working with him in the coming years to advance stronger climate and clean energy policies—which we know are crucial to attracting investments and helping companies meet their clean energy and financial goals.”
Among the businesses praising the governor’s action today are Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Dignity Health, and Patagonia.
“Caesars Entertainment is committed to delivering on its ambitious, science-based target to reduce our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 95 percent by 2050. Since 2011, our investments in clean energy have led to a 23 percent reduction in emissions, while saving us money on energy costs. A strategic carbon plan demonstrates Caesars’ commitment to tackling climate change and addressing long-term risk, and it makes financial sense for our business,” said Eric Dominguez, vice president of facilities, engineering & sustainability at Caesars Entertainment Corporation. “Nevada’s leadership in statewide carbon reduction will help spur innovation and allow companies like Caesars to meet its sustainability goals.”
“Climate change poses one of the greatest global and community health challenges of the 21st century. As a business and institution entrusted with the care and wellbeing of our community, we recognize that tackling climate change is essential to achieving our healing mission to advance a healthy community, economy, and planet,” said Sr. Phyllis Sikora, vice president of mission at Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican. “We applaud Gov. Sisolak for following through on his commitment to climate action and the state’s transition to clean energy.”
In Nevada, and across the country, companies are driving demand for clean energy, helping states attract investments and creating new jobs. More than half of Nevada’s largest employers have invested locally in renewable or energy efficiency resources, and a total of 26 companies with a presence in the state have committed to powering their operations with 100 percent renewable energy.
“Patagonia is committed to doing our part to drive a clean energy economy. We are investing heavily in energy efficiency and renewable energy—including at our distribution center in Reno—because it is the right thing to do and it makes business sense,” said Meghan Wolf, environmental activism manager at Patagonia. “In joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, Gov. Sisolak has set the stage to help usher in a clean energy future here in Nevada, an essential step to ensuring a thriving outdoor industry for future generations.”
Major businesses in Nevada including Dignity Health, Levi Strauss and Co., Patagonia, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Unilever also voiced their support in May 2018 for policies to advance clean energy development and help grow the state’s economy.
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About Ceres
Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. For more information, visit www.ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.