YES on 6 for cleaner energy, less pollution, and a brighter future for Nevada’s wildlife and people

With yet another major scientific report – this one from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – signaling the urgency to act on climate in order to avoid severe impacts to people and wildlife, it is more important than ever that Nevadans take action to secure a cleaner energy future.

Fortunately, Nevadans have a choice. This November, Question 6 – the Renewable Energy Initiatives Standard – is on the ballot. A “Yes” vote on Question 6 will put Nevada in the lead for protecting wildlife and people against runaway climate change. Passage of Question 6 will commit the state to generating 50 percent of its electricity using clean, affordable renewable energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal by 2030.

A “Yes” vote on Question 6 will be a yes for cleaner energy, less pollution, and a brighter future for Nevada’s wildlife and people.

Photo Credit: Drew Brocesky

Climate change poses direct threats to Nevada and its wildlife. In our high desert state, water is a pressing issue. Arid western states like Nevada rely heavily on snowpack for water. But climate change is already decreasing snow pack. Snowpack melting earlier and less snow fall mean less water. Key water reserves like Lake Mead are already experiencing dropping lake levels.

If we lose more snow pack, it will become harder and harder for Nevada and the region to meet basic water needs.

To make matters worse, even a seemingly modest increase in global temperatures could dramatically increase the frequency of paralyzing heat waves, extended droughts, wildfires, and other weather-related disasters.

Wildlife will be impacted as well. Due to existing conservation efforts, populations of the once-endangered bighorn sheep in Nevada have bounced back to around 10,000 individuals in 2012.

Those same Bighorn are now facing severe challenges from climate change. Like people, bighorn sheep rely on significant amounts of snowpack for their water source in the spring, but with warming temperatures and reduced rain caused by climate change, this water source is becoming increasingly scarce for bighorn sheep too.

We can ensure these impacts don’t become too severe for wildlife like bighorn sheep to be able to survive in Nevada and the west if we act fast to transition to clean energy sources that don’t emit harmful greenhouse gases.

As Nevada Wildlife Federation President Robert Gaudet said:

Nevada’s wildlife has a right to clean air and water. That’s why the Nevada Wildlife Federation supports the YES on 6 campaign’s effort to guarantee more renewables in the state. Whether you are a hunter or a hiker, Question 6 ensures we are defending Nevada’s wildlife and habitat.

Question 6 – the Renewable Energy Standards Initiative – represents a strong commitment to reducing Nevada’s contributions and fighting climate change. It is also affordable. Solar, wind, and other renewables are cost-competitive and their prices continue to plummet. More inexpensive, renewable energy will only continue to benefit Nevadans.

Time is running out for bighorn sheep. If we don’t act now, there may not be enough snowpack to sustain future populations of bighorn sheep – or people – in Nevada.

Protect wildlife and our climate by pledging to Vote Yes on Question 6!

Pledge Now