Nevada businesses, utilities, policymakers, local governments, and electric vehicle technology and policy experts will gather today to discuss the electrification of transportation in Nevada. Panels will explore the full range of economic, public health, and environmental benefits Nevada can capture in the transition toward electric vehicles.
“We are bringing together some of the top experts in the state and across the region to highlight why Nevada’s policymakers should accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles,” said Tom Polikalas, Nevada representative at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), a co-host of the event. “The legislature goes into session the following week, so we’re looking to showcase the importance of clean transportation to the general public so that citizens can help steer the conversation on electric transportation policies.”
Clean vehicles—including cars, trucks, buses, and more—powered by renewable sources of electricity greatly reduce air pollution, while minimizing fuel and maintenance costs compared to conventional vehicles. Supporting the transition to electric vehicles could provide substantial economic benefits to Nevada by enabling investment in manufacturing of electric vehicles and related technology, boosting workforce development, and reducing operating and healthcare costs.
“A growing number of companies and institutions in Nevada are moving their fleets to cleaner and more efficient vehicles because they have done the math and know that it makes business sense,” said Anne Kelly, Senior Director of Policy and the BICEP Network at Ceres, a sustainability nonprofit organization and a co-host of the event. “Nevada has a real chance to drive the transition to electric vehicles. We look forward to working with Nevada’s private and public sector leaders to accelerate the shift to a clean transportation future.”
“Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy through increasingly affordable all-electric vehicles and clean energy generation and storage products,” said Chris Reilly, Workforce Development and Education Programs Lead at Tesla, a speaker at the event. “We continue to collaborate closely with Nevada not only to expand manufacturing and operations at Gigafactory 1, but also to bring a wide range of jobs to the state. As we work towards our mission, we are excited to see other organizations and more consumers realize the many benefits of clean transportation.”
The forum will feature panel discussions covering the role that both private and public sector leaders can play in the transition to electric vehicles. Topics will include the public health, economic and business benefits of electrified transportation as well as how Nevada's policymakers can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
“The Governor’s Office of Energy recognizes that electric vehicles will play a key role in the state’s transportation future,” said David Bobzien, Director at the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy, who will kick off the event. “Our partnership to expand the state’s electric vehicle charging system, known as the Nevada Electric Highway, will help ensure that drivers are able to safely and easily travel across the state and to our thriving tourist destinations.”
“Transportation related emissions are a primary contributor to the air pollutants that negatively impact public health. These harmful pollutants both cause and exacerbate respiratory issues, particularly for our most vulnerable citizens including children, the elderly, and those with existing conditions such as asthma,” said Daniel Inouye, Branch Chief at the Washoe County Health District, a speaker at the event. “Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles is essential to reducing emissions from the transportation sector, while also effectively improving air quality and protecting the quality of life for the citizens of Washoe County and for all Nevadans.”
The Electric Transportation Forum is presented by the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) and Ceres, with sponsorship from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy and NV Energy, with additional support from the Green Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, Nevada Energy Forums and Exhibitions (Nv|EfX), Nissan, Regional Transportation Commission, and Western Resource Advocates.
Commissioner Ann Pongracz of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada will provide the keynote address. Additional speakers include:
David Bobzien, Director of the Governor's Office of Energy;
Chris Brooks, Nevada State Senator;
Sara Forni, Senior Manager of Clean Vehicles at Ceres
Daniel Inouye, Branch Chief, Washoe County Health District, Air Quality Management Division;
Assemblywoman Sarah Peters;
Commissioner Ann Pongracz, Public Utilities Commission of Nevada;
Chris Reilly, Workforce Development & Education Programs at Tesla; and
Assemblyman Howard Watts III, among others.
A livestream of the event will be available at this link from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. View the complete agenda here.
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About The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
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.