(The Center Square) – Two prominent Nevada Republicans have introduced legislation to reduce Nevada’s dependence on California’s oil.
The bill, Senate Bill 505, would create a Nevada Energy Resiliency Task Force. The legislation’s goal is to reduce Nevada’s energy dependence on California as the Golden State moves away from fossil fuels and experiences the nation’s highest energy prices.
“Nevada’s dependence on California’s shrinking refinery network threatens our economy and drives up gas prices,” said State Senate Minority Leader Robin Titus, R-Wellington. “This task force will deliver actionable solutions by 2027 to ensure affordable, reliable energy.”
Nevada currently receives 88% of its oil from California. While renewable energy has increased in recent years, oil is still far more significant to the state.
As California has increased its regulations and prices around oil and gas, the industry has begun to leave Nevada’s biggest neighbor. In 1985 there were 50 refineries in the state. Today there are only 14, with several more closures potentially on the horizon. Part of the recent decrease in production has been the ban on sales of new gas-powered cars set for 2035.
“I am proud to support this initiative to protect Nevada’s economy, lower prices at the pump, and ensure energy independence,” said Assembly Minority Leader Gregory Hafen, R-Pahrump. “This task force will deliver real results for Nevadans.”
The Nevada Energy Resiliency Task Force would be made of 11 people, including seven experts appointed by the governor, and one member appointed by each of majority and minority leaders from the Senate and Assembly.
The bill could be expected to face pushback from Nevada Democrats, who hold majorities in both houses, over this point. The legislation currently gives more voting power to the minority Republicans. Gov. Joe Lombardo is a Republican, so the legislation today would give Nevada Republicans the say over nine of the 11 task force members.
The proposal also outlined some ideas for what the task force would oversee. These focused on potential new pipelines, including one from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, expanding Utah imports (which currently make up about 10% of Nevada oil imports), as well as exploring alternative fuels.
While both sides of the aisle will likely agree that an energy source change is needed to make Nevada less reliant on the fading refineries of California, Nevadans can expect heated debates over what this future looks like before any vote takes place.
