A new analysis found Nevada drivers can save thousands of dollars by making the switch from a gas-powered car to an electric vehicle.

The Environmental Defense Fund and Climate Power examined the EV costs using Nevada-specific data, and found savings of up to almost $28,000 over 10 years.

Paul Bordenkircher, secretary of the Nevada Electric Vehicle Association, said after crunching some numbers, it made sense for him to purchase a used EV in 2019. While some new models have come down in price and others qualify for tax rebates, Bordenkircher emphasized it is important to not forget about used EVs.

"One of my little soapboxes is not only just electric vehicles, but used electrics in particular," Bordenkircher explained. "Because of the potential savings that I am seeing, and certainly hope that others would see the same thing."

He added in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made a tax credit of up to $7,500 available for qualifying buyers on certain EVs, although there are restrictions, like a buyer's income and where the car parts are manufactured. Leasing companies don't have to abide by those same rules, which Bordenkircher pointed out will mean more new EVs are eligible for the tax credit. In addition, as those cars complete their lease cycle, it'll cause even more used EVs to become available. He also noted EVs aren't a great option for everyone in large, primarily rural states like Nevada.

Leasing companies do not have to abide by those same rules, which Bordenkircher pointed out will mean more used EVs will become available as people trade in their cars. He also noted EVs are not great for everyone in large, primarily rural states like Nevada.

Alex Wall, senior clean energy economy adviser for the group Climate Power, said there are many EV options for different lifestyles in today's market. In the analysis, he stressed they aimed to show a wide range of vehicle types to meet the needs of workers, families and individuals.

"Whether that's a truck, whether that's an SUV, whether that's a family sedan," Wall outlined. "Cars at all sorts of levels of the auto industry are saving folks significant money, both when it comes to fueling up versus charging, and also just significantly lower maintenance costs."

While some people remain on the fence about EVs, with concerns about range and lack of charging infrastructure, the report found EVs are bringing good-paying jobs to the Silver State. Since January 2021, an estimated 12,400 Nevada jobs have been created.

A federal agency today is expected to announce reforms related to the power grid, which is stretched thin as the nation transitions away from fossil fuels.

It's a complex issue clean-energy advocates in the Midwest know far too well.

There's a push to expand transmission lines to accommodate the tidal wave of wind, solar, and other renewable projects.

Rules being unveiled could address the thorny issue of cost-sharing among states for the build-out.

More broadly, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's Executive Director Nick Hylla said market dynamics are tricky - noting competing interests among utilities and developers in expanding the grid.

He said another issue is protecting wildlife.

"The history of management of transmission lines isn't some solid track record from an environmental-conservation point of view," said Hylla. "We could be doing a much better job in transmission corridors."

In these cases, decarbonization groups and conservationists are at odds with each other. Notably, a recent court ruling is allowing a transmission line project involving Wisconsin to advance.

Hylla said "non-wire alternatives" are emerging to help the movement without turning to the grid.

In Minnesota, Xcel Energy has been testing a program that incentivizes customers to curb energy use during peak demand.

Similar programs are taking shape elsewhere, but industry analysts say these initiatives are navigating their own barriers as they try to get off the ground.

Still, Hylla said an example of this approach along the East Coast is turning some heads.

"It's a BYOB program - Bring Your Own Battery program - that now, over 24,000 customers in three eastern states have subscribed to," said Hylla. "It's basically a subsidy to put a battery in your house and just to make sure that you're not using electricity in peak times. "

As governments, utilities and other entities face pressure to meet climate goals amid soaring demand for electricity, Hylla suggested these solutions will have to work hand-in-hand.

His group is focused on efficiencies, such as rooftop solar, to reshape the distribution of energy.

But he said large-scale renewable projects play a role, too, including the economic benefits for communities in which they're located.




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Wisconsin's clean-energy portfolio is growing. Communities seeing the transition happen at their doorstep might get benefits, but sometimes have questions about the scope of these projects. A new grant could help deliver the facts.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension has received a $1 million federal grant to educate towns and cities about large-scale solar, wind and similar development in their areas. Under state law, projects of at least 100 megawatts don't need local approval.

Sherrie Gruder, the extension's sustainable design specialist and energy strategist, said the outreach strikes a balance between boosting the clean-energy transition and factoring in local feedback from community interests.

"Looking at endangered species in the area - will they be protected - to what happens to the water in the wells when the land isn't being farmed for that time?" she said.

Gruder said they'll also use the listening sessions to help dispel misinformation about renewable energy. Also, residents can learn about the economic benefits that trickle down to their government, creating discussions about how to spend that revenue. This type of engagement comes as hundreds of locally adopted restrictions for wind and solar development surface around the United States.

Gruder said another important form of guidance is tips on lease agreements between landowners and project developers. She noted that they want these individuals to be able to ask the right questions.

"Not all farmers are going to spend $300 to $500 an hour to talk with an attorney," she added, "but we could help educate them on that type of thing."

A coalition of Wisconsin organizations will assist with the outreach. According to the extension, the Badger State currently has 33 large-scale solar developments in place or under development in 21 counties.


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With less than a month left in the New York Legislature's session, environmentalists are pushing for the HEAT Act's passage.

Last-minute stalling from the Assembly kept it from being in the 2025 budget. The bill phases out gas line extension allowances and gives the Public Service Commission authority to align utility companies with the state's climate laws.

Lisa Marshall, advocacy and organizing director for New Yorkers for Clean Power, said lawmakers have no time to play politics with the state's climate future "in a time where we've had the hottest year on record, record-breaking floods, our train system flooded out, air that children can't go outside and play and breathe for weeks on end. And, they can't see it's necessary to crack down and get to work and start to move the climate plan forward, then that's on them."

Passing the bill has faced misinformation campaigns from fossil-fuel companies and some skepticism from lawmakers about relying entirely on electricity. They have argued it's not useful if the power goes out, but infrastructure would prevent many fossil-fuel energy sources from working correctly with the power out, too. Gov. Kathy Hochul has said she'll sign the bill if the Legislature passes it.

Reports show New York won't reach its 2030 climate goals because of clean-energy projects falling through and climate legislation failing to pass.

Michael Hernandez, New York policy director for Rewiring America, noted that the Public Service Commission and utilities are required by law to build out gas pipes, keeping New Yorkers stuck on fossil fuels. He said the HEAT Act changes that.

"This is the way forward," he said. "This provides the pathway where we can start to consider what are the other ways that we can innovate and improve our energy infrastructure."

The HEAT Act could cut utility bills nearly in half for one in four energy-burdened New Yorkers. Some shortcomings for New York's climate goals include three offshore wind projects recently being canceled because of "material modifications."