Nevada Clean Energy Fund Celebrates Assembly Passage of Solar-Powered Affordable Housing Legislation

Carson City, NV – The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) commends the Nevada Assembly for the passage of AB458, or Solar-Powered Affordable Housing. The 36-6 floor vote demonstrates robust bipartisan support for this legislation, which will lower home energy costs and ensure more Nevadans benefit from the state’s growing clean energy economy. The bill now moves to the Nevada Senate for consideration.

AB458, sponsored by Assemblymember Howard Watts, would remove a policy barrier preventing people living in certain affordable housing complexes from lowering their utility bills through solar. Earlier this month, the bill was heard by lawmakers in the Assembly Growth and Infrastructure Committee and drew supportive testimony from a broad and diverse group of stakeholders, including all three of the state’s public housing authorities, nonprofit and for-profit housing developers, public health advocates, local governments, community nonprofits, tribal advocates, faith-based organizations, and environmental groups.

“AB458 ensures all Nevadans living in affordable housing have the opportunity to access solar and reduce their utility bills,” said Kirsten Stasio, CEO of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund. “It is also key to unlocking the full potential of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund’s $156 million Solar for All program. Through Solar for All, NCEF expects to lower utility bills for more than 50,000 Nevadans, create nearly 1,000 quality jobs, and finance solar on nearly 100 affordable housing properties. In passing AB458, legislators will provide solar benefits to the Nevadans who need it most, while harnessing the state’s vast solar resource to advance affordable housing goals.”

With over one in four Nevada households experiencing energy insecurity, the nation’s highest unemployment rate, and the nation’s lowest availability of affordable housing, Solar-Powered Affordable Housing helps address several of the most important issues facing our state.