Energy Outlook

By: Jacob Kim

The Nevada Senate race has significant implications for the future of U.S. climate policy. Incumbent Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat, has championed major climate initiatives, including the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers tax credits for clean energy development. She highlights Nevada’s role as a leader in the clean energy transition, particularly through solar and geothermal industries that create jobs and lower energy costs. In contrast, her opponent, Republican Sam Brown, opposes these climate policies and advocates for reducing the size of federal agencies, such as the Department of Energy. Brown, a military veteran, is critical of solar farms, arguing they benefit California more than Nevada, and stands against the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Nevada is on the front lines of climate change, with Las Vegas and Reno among the fastest-warming cities in the country. As a state with vast federal public lands, Nevada faces both challenges and opportunities in expanding solar farms and mining critical minerals like lithium. This Senate race encapsulates a larger national debate between advancing renewable energy and addressing local concerns about land use. Rosen advocates for continued renewable energy development, while Brown emphasizes protecting Nevada’s landscapes and traditional land uses.

I believe that both Rosen and Brown have strong claim whether for or against renewable energy. Although solar and geothermal energy is essential for Nevada, the costs and land usage is immense. Rather than land-solar projects I strongly would suggest that the government invest in offshore-solar plants as it uses up less viable land and has immense untapped potential. When it comes to the Senate race however, I believe that Brown is out of touch. Yes creating the infrastructure for solar farms is difficult and expensive, but in this period of time we must invest into energy diversification into cleaner sources to ensure that we do not burn alive in 50 years.

Sources

https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/11/politics/nevada-senate-election-rosen-brown/index.html