Nevada Clean Energy Fund Applauds Introduction of Clean Energy Investment & Solar-Powered Affordable Housing Legislation
Carson City, NV – The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is celebrating the advancement of two important legislative proposals—SB 132, Clean Energy Investment, and AB 458, Solar-Powered Affordable Housing—that will lower energy costs, create jobs, and ensure more Nevadans benefit from the state’s growing clean energy economy.
Both bills play a crucial role in expanding clean energy access and affordability in Nevada. SB 132, introduced by Senator Rochelle Nguyen, would provide a $5 million investment to enable NCEF to expand its programs that deliver clean energy financing solutions for Nevada’s businesses, schools, and communities. AB 458, led by Assemblymember Howard Watts, would allow affordable housing complexes to install rooftop solar that provides direct utility bill savings to tenants.
Senator Rochelle Nguyen, sponsor of SB 132, emphasized the economic benefits of investing in NCEF: “SB 132 is a smart investment in Nevada’s energy future. This bill makes certain that families, businesses, and public institutions can continue to access lower-cost energy and financing options by leveraging federal funds and private capital. It helps Nevadans keep their bills affordable while creating clean energy jobs.”
“Nevadans deserve the opportunity to benefit from solar energy savings, no matter where they live,” said Assemblymember Howard Watts, sponsor of AB 458. “This bill removes outdated barriers and ensures affordable housing residents can access solar just like homeowners can. Amid record-breaking energy bills, this is a practical, cost-saving solution that saves renters money while growing Nevada’s clean energy workforce.”
NCEF’s leadership underscored the necessity of these policies in addressing affordability and equity in Nevada’s clean energy transition. “Too many Nevadans are struggling with high utility bills, but major opportunities exist to make clean energy affordable and accessible. NCEF’s existing programs will create over 1,000 clean energy jobs in the next five years while establishing job training and workforce development programs,” said Kirsten Stasio, CEO of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund. “These bills ensure that all Nevadans–from families living in affordable housing to local business owners–can lower their energy costs and that Nevada can continue leveraging private and federal investments for a stronger, more resilient energy future.”
Leaders from across Nevada—housing advocates, local governments, and community organizations—are backing these bills as critical solutions to lowering energy costs, improving housing affordability, and extending clean energy benefits to those who need them most.
Housing advocates also see AB 458 as a critical policy for addressing Nevada’s housing crisis. “Lowering energy costs is key to increasing affordability for low-income residents,” said Maurice Page, Executive Director of the Nevada Housing Coalition. “AB 458 removes a significant roadblock for affordable housing developers, allowing more properties to benefit from solar savings. By reducing operational costs, this policy helps ensure long-term affordability, making it easier to build and maintain the housing Nevada desperately needs.”
Dr. Mary House, CEO of CHR and Chair of the Nevada Solar for All Persistent Poverty Community Council, emphasized the impact on historically underserved communities: “Expanding clean energy access is critical for our communities. These policies help ensure that Nevada’s clean energy economy works for everyone, not just those who can afford to install solar panels or make other energy upgrades on their own.”
Longtime clean energy leader Rose McKinney-James, Chair of the NCEF Advisory Committee, highlighted how these investments strengthen Nevada’s economy: “Nevada has led the nation in clean energy growth, but there’s more work to do. We need to make sure that clean energy investments benefit all Nevadans, from low-income families to small businesses. SB 132 and AB 458 will help Nevada stay competitive while delivering real benefits to ratepayers.”
With energy affordability at the forefront of Nevadans’ concerns, SB 132 and AB 458 provide tangible solutions to lower utility bill costs, expand clean energy access, and create quality jobs across the state. The Nevada Clean Energy Fund supports these critical bills that will deliver energy relief to hardworking families and businesses.
About the Nevada Clean Energy Fund
The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is a nonprofit organization that supports a thriving, affordable, and accessible clean energy economy by providing financial and technical resources to Nevadans. NCEF was established by Nevada legislation in 2017 as the state’s green bank. NCEF implements programs for diverse Nevada stakeholders, including local businesses, households, affordable housing, Tribes, nonprofits, schools, local governments, and rural