Nevada Legislature to Minimize Regulations on the Energy Market and Eliminate Legal Energy Monopolies, Question 3 (2016)
Nevada Question 3 | |
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Election date November 8, 2016 | |
Topic Energy | |
Status![]() | |
Type Constitutional amendment | Origin Citizens |
2016 measures |
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November 8 |
Question 1 ![]() |
Question 2 ![]() |
Question 3 ![]() |
Question 4 ![]() |
Polls |
Voter guides |
Campaign finance |
Signature costs |
The Nevada Legislature to Minimize Regulations on the Energy Market and Eliminate Legal Energy Monopolies Amendment, also known as Question 3, was on the November 8, 2016, ballot in Nevada as an initiated constitutional amendment. It was approved.
A "yes" vote supported this constitutional amendment to require the Nevada Legislature to establish "an open, competitive retail electric energy market," reduce energy market regulations, and prohibit energy monopolies. |
A "no" vote opposed this constitutional amendment to require the legislature to establish an "open and competitive" retail energy market.[1] |
In Nevada, initiated constitutional amendments need to be approved in two even-numbered election years, meaning that Question 3 needed to be approved in 2016 and again in 2018 to amend the Nevada Constitution. Voters rejected Question 3 in 2018, meaning the measure was not added to the constitution.
Election results
Question 3 | ||||
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Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
![]() | 783,185 | 72.36% | ||
No | 299,183 | 27.64% |
- Election results from Nevada Secretary of State
Overview
Energy in Nevada
In 2016, utility companies in Nevada were permitted to establish monopolies in their geographic service areas. The Nevada Public Utilities Commission, whose members are appointed by the Nevada Governor, regulates utility prices and other energy policies. This model of regulated and state-imposed monopolies originally was established to incentivize electrical infrastructure development. In 2016, NV Energy controlled 90 percent of the state's energy market.
Initiative design
The measure was designed to prohibit electricity monopolies, thus ending the monopoly that NV Energy has in the state.[2][3] The measure would have placed a guarantee in the Nevada Constitution that energy customers have the right to choose their energy provider and generate their own for resale. If Question 3 was approved again, the Nevada Legislature would have been required to pass laws by July 1, 2023, establishing an "open, competitive retail electric energy market" and entitling customers to "safe, reliable, and competitively priced electricity." The measure would have allowed the legislature to permit NV Energy or another firm to maintain a monopoly on the electricity distribution grid, such as transmission lines.[4][5]
State of the ballot measure campaigns
Nevadans for Affordable Clean, Energy Choices, the support campaign, raised $3,435,000. The Las Vegas Sands Corporation was the top donor, contributing $1,925,000. Opponents organized as the No Handouts to Billionaires Committee, which received $910,000.00 from IBEW 1245 and the Nevada AFL-CIO. Other supporters of Question 3 included Tesla Motors and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D). Polls indicated that around 68 percent of likely voters supported Question 3 prior to the election.
Text of measure
Ballot title
The question on the ballot was as follows:[6]
“ | Shall Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to require the Legislature to provide by law for the establishment of an open, competitive retail electric energy market that prohibits the granting of monopolies and exclusive franchises for the generation of electricity?
Yes No [7] |
” |
Ballot summary
The ballot summary was as follows:[6]
|
Constitutional changes
- See also: Article I, Nevada Constitution
Question 3 would add a new section to Article I of the Nevada Constitution. The following text would be added:[4]
Note: Hover over the text and scroll to see the full text.
The people of the State of Nevada declare that it is the policy of this State that electricity markets be open and competitive so that all electricity customers are afforded meaningful choices among different providers, and that economic and regulatory burdens be minimized in order to promote competition and choices in the electric energy market. This Act shall be liberally construed to achieve this purpose.
2. Rights of Electric Energy
Effective upon the dates set forth in subsection 3, every person, business, association of persons or businesses, state agency, political subdivision of the State of Nevada, or any other entity in Nevada has the right to choose the provider of its electric utility service, including hut not limited to, selecting providers from a competitive retail electric market, or by producing electricity for themselves or in association with others, and shall not be forced to purchase energy from one provider. Nothing herein shall be construed as limiting such persons' or entities' rights to sell, trade or otherwise dispose of electricity.
3. Implementation
(a) Not later than July 1, 2023, the Legislature shall provide by law for provisions consistent with this Act to establish an open, competitive retail electric energy market, to ensure that protections are established that entitle customers to safe, reliable, and competitively priced electricity, including, but nor limited to, provisions that reduce costs to customers, protect against service disconnections and unfair practices, and prohibit the grant of monopolies and exclusive franchises for the generation of electricity. The Legislature need not provide for the deregulation of or distribution of electricity in Order to establish a competitive market consistent with this Act.
(b) Upon enactment of any law by the Legislature pursuant to this Act before July 1, 2023, and not later than that date, any laws, regulations, regulatory orders or other provisions which conflict with this Act will be void. However, the Legislature may enact legislation consistent with this act that provides for an open electric energy market in part or in whole before July I, 2023.
(c) Nothing herein shall be construed to invalidate Nevada 's public policies on renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmental protection or limit the Legislature's ability to impose such policies on participants in a competitive electricity market.
4. Severability
Should any part of this Act he declared invalid, or the application thereof to any person, thing or is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions or application of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable. This subsection shall be construed broadly to preserve and effectuate the declared purpose of this Act.[7]
Fiscal notes
- See also: Fiscal impact statement
The fiscal note was as follows:[6]
|
Support
Nevadans for Affordable Clean, Energy Choices led the campaign in support of Question 3.[8]
Contributors: Switch LTD, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, and MGM Resorts International
- Question 3 would lower electricity prices by making them subject to market competition, rather than a government agency. States with deregulated markets save consumers, on average, nearly 20 percent.
- Question 3 would allow the state and consumers to take advantage of new energy technologies.
- Question 3 would provide more access to renewable energy.
Supporters
Officials
Organizations
- Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce[10]
- Clean Energy Project
- Nevada Conservation League
Businesses
Individuals
- John Hanger, former head of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection[13]
- Jon Wellinghoff, former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and chief policy officer at SolarCity [14]
- Andy Wirth, President and CEO of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, LLC[15]
Arguments
Nevadans for Affordable Clean, Energy Choices answered the question "Why is energy choice good for Nevada?" with the following:[16]
“ | While energy technology has vastly improved in recent years, Nevada laws have not kept pace with innovation. The absence of a competitive energy market in the Silver State has denied Nevadans the freedom to lower their electricity costs, adopt clean energy, and even threatens the pursuit of innovation.
Nearly one-third of Americans already have the ability to choose their electricity suppliers and several states have successfully transitioned to open energy markets. Data from states with energy choice shows lower electricity costs across all sectors – residential, commercial, and industrial – with a nearly 20 percent cost savings for consumers. Nevada law currently authorizes a single utility to provide electric service to customers. The utility is owned by investors and provides service to Nevadans under a legal monopoly.[7] |
” |
John Hanger, former head of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, provided Pennsylvania's market deregulation as an example of deregulation's benefits. He said:[13]
“ | After 20 years of allowing customers to choose their generation supplier and competitive power markets with appropriate oversight, customers in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions are paying much less for power generation than they were in 1996. In real or inflation-adjusted dollars, those residential customers are paying about 50 percent less. And Pennsylvania’s statewide average electricity price is at the national average as opposed to well above it.[7] | ” |
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D), a supporter of Question 3, argued:[17]
“ | ... Nevadans are poised to gut energy monopolies’ rigid power grabs and directly participate in the clean energy economy. Voting “yes” on energy choice will represent a seismic shift for America and the world — a momentous example of how the people can take down an outdated, special interest monopoly and choose the future they want for their state and their country.[7] | ” |
Jon Wellinghoff, chief policy officer at SolarCity and former chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, responded to criticism of the measure, saying:[18]
“ | Fearmongering surrounding the potential for market manipulation should also be put to bed. In the wake of the Western energy crisis of the 1990s, Congress voted to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) far-reaching power to better oversee the energy market, protect consumers from fraud and other misconduct, and deliver stiff fines for wrongdoing. The agency’s budget has also been expanded to provide for teams of lawyers, economists and investigators that monitor our power markets on a daily basis.
As a result, manipulative market behavior of the type seen during the crisis is no longer a legitimate threat. ... If passed by Nevada voters, Question 3 will set the state on a trajectory to be an example for the 21st century energy grid. Question 3 provides for the possibility of a neutral grid operator and fair and well-regulated competition that produces lower prices, more green energy options and advances in energy technology with the power to change the way we live. The measure is an important step forward that creates a foundation for Nevada’s green grid of the 21st century. I urge you to look into the facts and vote yes on Question 3.[7] |
” |
Official arguments
Matt Griffin and Lucas Foletta of Nevadans for Affordable, Clean Energy Choices wrote the official argument in support of Question 3 found in the Nevada voter guide:[6]
|
Opposition
No Handouts to Billionaires led the campaign in opposition to Question 3.[19]
Contributors: IBEW 1245 and Nevada AFL-CIO
- Question 3 would benefit billionaires who do not want to pay their share to maintain electricity production.
- Question 3 would increase energy prices for consumers and make rates unpredictable in the long-term. Deregulation increased prices in California.
- Question 3 would cost jobs at NV Energy.
- Question 3 does not belong in the Nevada Constitution.
IBEW 1245, the largest donor to the opposition campaign, represents about 600 workers at NV Energy.[20][21]
Opponents
- Controller Ron Knecht (R)[22]
- Nevada State AFL-CIO[23]
- Culinary Local 226[24]
Arguments
No Handouts to Billionaires, the campaign opposing Question 3, argued:[19]
“ | Question 3 would deregulate Nevada’s electric utility system, removing all limits on what providers could charge. Customers would have to buy their power on the open market and energy prices could go sky high.
1. Question 3 is just another handout to billionaires at our expense. Q3 is backed almost entirely by billionaires who would rather change the state Constitution than pay their fair share for electricity. It’s time to stop handing out funds to the people who need it least, and start investing in middle class kids and families. 2. Texas, New York, California and other states have tried similar plans with disastrous results. In California, market manipulation led to an 800 percent increase in electricity prices in just eight months – and to skyrocketing utility bills, rolling blackouts, and the Enron scandal. It cost ratepayers 45 billion dollars to fix. Prices have gone up in every state that tried deregulating, and Question 3 would create the same mess in Nevada. 3. Question 3 could lead to an immediate and severe increase in electrical rates for residential customers. It hurts everyone – but especially poor Nevadans and rural families by doing away with protections that currently guarantee their service.[7] |
” |
No Handouts to Billionaires’ advertisement, titled “Dark.”
|
Tom Dalzell, IBEW 1245 business manager, argued:[25]
“ | The secretive backers of this measure want voters to believe it’s about ‘energy choices,’ but in reality, it would help a handful of ultra-wealthy casino moguls get even richer, at the expense of Nevada’s working families. If enacted, this sort of policy would inevitably result in significant layoffs at NV Energy, and could open the door to large-scale Enron-style deregulation of the energy industry in Nevada.[7] | ” |
State Controller Ron Knecht (R) said that while he agreed with the amendment's intentions to deregulate the energy market, the amendment did "not belong in the state constitution." He elaborated:[22]
“ | Constitutions should be limited to fundamental matters of government organization, the rights of citizens, and specifying and limiting the powers of government, etc.
Under Nevada’s constitution, the legislature already has the power to do all the good things this measure would require. However, particular provisions of this measure may be found defective or in need of change. As long as such reforms are done legislatively, they can be remedied timely by the legislature. That’s not the case if they are enshrined in the constitution.[7] |
” |
Official arguments
Bradley Schrager wrote the official argument against Question 3 found in the Nevada voter guide. Schrager's argument was as follows:[6]
|
Neutral
NV Energy, the public utilities firm controlling 90 percent of the state's energy market in 2016, remained neutral on Question 3. However, NV Energy did issue a document, titled "Nevada’s Energy Future: Key Principles," to foster discussion about Question 3 and Nevada's energy future. Paul Caudill, President and CEO of NV Energy, stated, "We hope this document can be used as a guide as we continue to work directly with a number of key stakeholders and leaders on this issue."[26] The document is as follows:[27]
|
Campaign finance
As of January 16, 2017, the support campaign for Question 3 featured one ballot question committee, Nevadans for Affordable, Clean Energy Choices, that received a total of $3,435,000 in cash contributions. The support campaign had spent $2,074,801.[28]
As of January 16, 2017, one ballot question committee, No Handouts to Billionaires Committee, registered to oppose Question 3. The committee had received $910,000 and spent $897,521.[29]
According to reports through January 16, 2017, the top donor in support of Question 3, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, provided approximately 56 percent of the campaign's total funds. The casino firm contributed $1,925,000.[28] The top donor in opposition was IBEW 1245, which provided $800,000 or 88 percent of the campaign's total funds.[29]
Cash Contributions | In-Kind Contributions | Total Contributions | Cash Expenditures | Total Expenditures | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Support | $3,435,000.00 | $0.00 | $3,435,000.00 | $2,074,800.54 | $2,074,800.54 |
Oppose | $910,000.00 | $0.00 | $910,000.00 | $897,520.58 | $897,520.58 |
Total | $4,345,000.00 | $0.00 | $4,345,000.00 | $2,972,321.12 | $2,972,321.12 |
Support
The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committees in support of the measure.[28]
Committees in support of Question 3 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Committee | Cash Contributions | In-Kind Contributions | Total Contributions | Cash Expenditures | Total Expenditures |
Nevadans for Affordable, Clean Energy Choices | $3,435,000.00 | $0.00 | $3,435,000.00 | $2,074,800.54 | $2,074,800.54 |
Total | $3,435,000.00 | $0.00 | $3,435,000.00 | $2,074,800.54 | $2,074,800.54 |
Donors
The following were the top donors to the committee.[28]
Donor | Cash Contributions | In-Kind Contributions | Total Contributions |
---|---|---|---|
Las Vegas Sands Corp | $1,925,000.00 | $0.00 | $1,925,000.00 |
Switch LTD | $1,500,000.00 | $0.00 | $1,500,000.00 |
MGM Resorts International | $10,000.00 | $0.00 | $10,000.00 |
Opposition
The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committees in opposition to the initiative.[29]
Committees in opposition to Question 3 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Committee | Cash Contributions | In-Kind Contributions | Total Contributions | Cash Expenditures | Total Expenditures |
No Handouts to Billionaires Committee | $910,000.00 | $0.00 | $910,000.00 | $897,520.58 | $897,520.58 |
Total | $910,000.00 | $0.00 | $910,000.00 | $897,520.58 | $897,520.58 |
Donors
The following were the top donors to the committee.[29]
Donor | Cash Contributions | In-Kind Contributions | Total Contributions |
---|---|---|---|
IBEW 1245 | $800,000.00 | $0.00 | $800,000.00 |
Nevada State AFL-CIO | $60,000.00 | $0.00 | $60,000.00 |
IBEW Political/Legislative Affairs | $50,000.00 | $0.00 | $50,000.00 |
Methodology
To read Ballotpedia's methodology for covering ballot measure campaign finance information, click here.
Reporting dates
Nevada ballot measure committees filed a total of five campaign finance reports in 2016. The filing dates for reports were as follows:[30]
2016 campaign finance reporting dates | ||
---|---|---|
Date | Report | Period |
1/15/2016 | Annual Report for 2015 | 1/1/2015 - 12/31/2015 |
5/24/2016 | Report #1 | 1/1/2016 - 5/20/2016 |
6/10/2016 | Report #2 | 5/21/2016 - 6/9/2016 |
10/18/2016 | Report #3 | 6/10/2016 - 10/14/2016 |
11/04/2016 | Report #4 | 10/15/2016 - 11/3/2016 |
1/15/2017 | Annual Report for 2016 | 1/1/2016 - 12/31/2016 |
Media editorials
Support
- Lahontan Valley News said: "The LVN favors passage of Question 3 because we would like to see more information on both sides disseminated to the public. Compared to Questions 1 and 2, which has received the bulk of attention, many Nevadans are not as familiar with this question, and since voters have another opportunity to cast ballots in two years, we say, “Why the rush?”[31]
- Las Vegas Review-Journal said: "While the details would depend upon legislation that has yet to be written, the concept is sound. Choice and competition in any economic arena ultimately benefit consumers."[32]
- Las Vegas Sun said: "The Energy Choice Initiative makes all the sense in the world and has proven to work well elsewhere. It provides Nevadans the opportunity to shop around and buy electricity on the competitive open market and to decide whether they want their electricity to be generate by the sun, wind or hot groundwater, or by natural gas or (we dread the thought) coal. The Sun endorses Question 3, the Energy Choice Initiative."[33]
- Mesquite Local News said: "Yes, Question 3 is supported by the large corporations and casinos who would benefit from buying cheaper electricity on the open market instead of from the monopoly NV Energy owned by billionaire Warrant Buffet, but residential customers also should benefit in the long run. Data from states that have adopted energy choice reveal a nearly 20 percent cost savings for consumers."[34]
- The Nevada Sagebrush said: "In 2015, Nevada had the fastest growing market in the nation for rooftop solar panels. According to the public radio show Marketplace, there was a new customer every 40 minutes. Business was booming and business was good. Now, though? The market is dead. Hundreds of solar company employees lost their jobs as every major solar company in the state fled to do business in our neighboring states. This is what happens when an energy utility decides to protect its monopoly."[35]
- Reno Gazette-Journal said: "The RGJ Editorial Board supports voting yes on state ballot Question 3 to deregulate Nevada’s energy market. ... If done right, deregulation will bring generally lower rates and more choice among providers for those who want it, as well as opportunities for innovation."[36]
Polls
- See also: 2016 ballot measure polls
- In July 2016, KTNV-TV 13 Action News and Rasmussen Reports surveyed 750 likely voters. Of those surveyed, 69 percent supported Question 3.[37]
- In August 2016, the Suffolk University Poll found support for the initiative amongst likely voters to be 70 percent.[38]
- Suffolk University Poll surveyed 500 likely voters in late September 2016. Of the respondents surveyed, 72 percent supported the measure.
- In late September 2016, Bendixen & Amandi International found 68 percent of likely voters in support of Question 3. Of the demographic groups surveyed, 18-34 year olds and Hispanics had the most favorable view of the measure.[39]
- In late October 2016, Bendixen & Amandi International surveyed 800 likely voters on Question 4 and found support for the measure at 61 percent. Respondents who had a positive view of Hillary Clinton (D) favored the initiative 65 to 16 percent. Respondents who had a positive view of Donald Trump (R) favored the initiative 56 to 30 percent.[40]
Nevada Question 3 (2016) | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poll | Support | Oppose | Undecided | Margin of error | Sample size | ||||||||||||||
Bendixen & Amandi International 10/20/2016 - 10/23/2016 | 61.0% | 22.0% | 16.0% | +/-3.5 | 800 | ||||||||||||||
Bendixen & Amandi International 9/27/2016 - 9/29/2016 | 68.0% | 14.0% | 18.0% | +/-3.5 | 800 | ||||||||||||||
Suffolk University Poll 9/27/2016 - 9/29/2016 | 72.0% | 12.0% | 16.0% | +/-4.4 | 500 | ||||||||||||||
Suffolk University Poll 8/15/2016 - 8/17/2016 | 70.0% | 12.0% | 18.0% | +/-4.4 | 500 | ||||||||||||||
KTNV-TV 13 Action News/Rasmussen 7/29/2016 - 7/31/2016 | 69.0% | 11.0% | 20.0% | +/-4.0 | 750 | ||||||||||||||
AVERAGES | 68% | 14.2% | 17.6% | +/-3.96 | 670 | ||||||||||||||
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org. |
Background
History of NV Energy
In 2016, NV Energy provided 90 percent of the state with electrical power.[41] The utility was estimated to serve 1.3 million customers.[2] Some rural customers are served by electrical cooperatives and power districts instead.[42]
Formation of NV Energy
NV Energy acquired a large share of the energy market in 1999, when Nevada Power Company merged with Sierra Pacific Power Company to form NV Energy in a $1.3 billion deal.[43] Warren Buffett's multinational firm, Berkshire Hathaway, purchased NV Energy in 2013 for $5.6 billion.[44] The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) oversees the regulation of electrical utilities, including NV Energy, and sets retail rates in Nevada.
Senate Bill 123
In 2013, Senate Bill 123 (SB 123) was passed, requiring NV Energy to retire 800 megawatts (MW) of coal-fired electric generating plants by December 2019. SB 123 also required NV Energy to purchase, construct, or acquire 900 MW worth of production capacity, and 350 MW of the total needed to come from renewable energy siyrces.[45] In March 2015, NV Energy started constructing a 15 MW photovoltaic solar generating facility at Nellis Air Force Base.[42]
Value of net metering
Nevada authorized the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to allow for net metering in 1997.[42] Net metering is a billing system in which customers who generate their own electricity, typically using solar panels, are able to sell their excess electricity back to the grid, which is an interconnected network that is used to deliver electricity. In December 2015, PUC decreased the rate at which NV Energy paid solar producers by 75 percent. NV Energy stated the old net-metering rules were harming non-solar users, and that electricity would be cheaper for all customers if it built its own solar plants.[2] Warren Buffet said, "We do not want our million-plus customers that do not have solar to be buying solar at 10.5 cents when we could turn it out for them for 4.5 cents."[35]
Companies leave NV Energy
On October 1, 2016, MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts left NV Energy to purchase electricity from private utility firms.[46] PUC authorized the departures in exchange for $86.9 million from MGM Resorts and $15.7 million from Wynn Resorts. The Las Vegas Sands Corporation was also authorized to leave, but ultimately opted against doing so.[41][47] PUC approved a request from Switch, a data-storage firm, to leave NV Energy in exchange for $27 million on December 22, 2016.[48] The Peppermill Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada, paid PUC $3.3 million to leave NV Energy and join Western Electricity Coordinating Council on January 1, 2018.[49]
Energy prices in Nevada
Electricity is generated in power plants as energy sources (such as coal, petroleum and sunlight) are used to heat water. This heated water becomes steam and rotates a turbine, which creates electricity. This electricity is then transmitted to consumers via transmission lines.[50]
The price of electricity is impacted by supply and demand. The supply of electricity is affected by fuel prices, environmental and energy regulations, power plant capacity, weather, and other factors. Demand for electricity also affects the price. Because electricity cannot be stored for very long, it must be produced and used exactly when it is needed. Thus, as demand for electricity increases, the price also increases.[51][52]
Nevada paid less for electricity than Hawaii and California, but more than Oregon and Washington. Nevada ranked 17th in the nation for its electricity price of 12.46 cents per kilowatt hour. Nevada paid less for natural gas than Hawaii, California, Oregon and Washington.
Residential energy prices, January 2014 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
State | Electricity price (cents per kWh) |
Electricity price rank | Natural gas price (dollar per cubic foot) |
Natural gas price rank |
Nevada | 12.46 | 17 | $9.13 | 25 |
Hawaii | 37.4 | 1 | $45.67 | 1 |
California | 16.62 | 8 | $10.7 | 16 |
Oregon | 10.08 | 33 | $10.72 | 15 |
Washington | 8.58 | 46 | $10.91 | 14 |
United States | 12.35 | -- | $9.26 | -- |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration "State Profile and Energy Estimates" |
Energy on the ballot
- See also: Energy on the ballot
Question 3 was the first ballot measure addressing energy in Nevada state history.
Other states featured energy-related ballot measures on the 2016 ballot. Florida Amendment 1 was designed to add a section in the state constitution giving residents of Florida the right to own or lease solar energy equipment for personal use while also enacting constitutional protection for any state or local law ensuring that residents who do not produce solar energy can abstain from subsidizing its production. Florida Amendment 4 was designed to provide tax exemptions for solar power and other renewable energy equipment included in home values, commercial properties, and industrial properties for property taxes. Washington Initiative 732 was designed to impose a carbon emission tax on the sale or use of certain fossil fuels and fossil-fuel-generated electricity.
Reports and analyses
RCG Economics
RCG Economics and Dr. Alan Schlottmann, Professor of Economics at UNLV, were commissioned to “provide insights on the potential job impacts of Nevada Ballot Question 3.” The authors concluded Question 3 would create a significant number of jobs in the renewable energy sector. Without Question 3, renewable energy sector jobs would increase at a two-percent rate between 2023 and 2033. With Question 3, renewable energy sector jobs would increase at a rate between five and eight percent.[53]
John Restrepo of RCG Economics said, "Question 3 is a tremendous way for thousands of Nevadans from a wide variety of backgrounds to better their lives. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development forecasted a loss of jobs in the clean energy sector in a 2015 report. Our analysis indicates Question 3 could not only help Nevada regain these lost jobs, but add thousands more."[54]
The full report is available here.
Path to the ballot
Supporters needed to turn in at least 55,234 valid signatures by June 21, 2016. Supporters submitted over 100,000 signatures on June 21, 2016, to the secretary of state's office.[55][56]
On July 12, 2016, the Nevada secretary of state's office qualified the measure for the ballot.[57]
Cost of signature collection:
Sponsors of the measure hired FieldWorks, LLC to collect signatures for the petition to qualify this measure for the ballot. A total of $405,259.96 was spent to collect the 55,234 valid signatures required to put this measure before voters, resulting in a total cost per required signature (CPRS) of $7.34.
Lawsuit
Bird and Tuzzolo v. Cegavske and NACEC
Lawsuit overview | |
Issue: Constitutionality of the measure; whether voters can command legislative actions. | |
Court: Nevada First Judicial District Court | |
Ruling: This case was dismissed on December 29, 2016.[58] | |
Plaintiff(s): Jacqueline Sue Bird and Gail Tuzzolo | Defendant(s): Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske and Nevadans for Affordable Clean Energy Choices |
Plaintiff argument: Initiatives cannot command the Nevada Legislature to take specific legislative actions. | Defendant argument: The plaintiff's argument is without merit. |
Source: Nevada First Judicial District Court
Plaintiffs Jacqueline Sue Bird and Gail Tuzzolo filed litigation against Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske (R) and Nevadans for Affordable, Clean Energy Choices on October 6, 2016. Tuzzolo had been associated with the Nevada AFL-CIO, an opponent of Question 3, in the past.[59] Plaintiffs argued that Question 3 commanding the Nevada Legislature to "enact legislation providing for the establishment of an open, competitive electricity market..." is unlawful. According to plaintiffs, initiatives cannot bind the legislature's actions. Bird and Tuzzolo asked the court to strike Question 3 from the ballot.[60]
Karen Griffin, a spokesperson for Nevadans for Affordable, Clean Energy Choices, called the case "a desperate, political stunt to block the right of Nevadans to vote on their own economic freedom." She added, "This lawsuit is without merit, filed months past the statutory deadline, and an obvious attempt to distract from the fact that Question 3 will provide Nevadans with expanded electricity choice, lower prices, thousands of new green technology jobs, and technology innovation."[59]
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Nevada 2016 Energy Question 3. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
Related measures
Energy measures on the ballot in 2016 | |
---|---|
State | Measures |
Washington | Washington Modifying Tax Exemption Criteria for Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Advisory Vote 15 ![]() |
Florida | Florida Property Tax Exemptions for Renewable Energy Equipment, Amendment 4 ![]() |
See also
- 2016 ballot measures
- Nevada 2016 ballot measures
- Laws governing the initiative process in Nevada
- Energy policy in Nevada
External links
Basic information
Support
- Nevadans for Affordable Clean Energy Choices
- Nevadans for Affordable Clean Energy Choices Facebook
- Nevadans for Affordable Clean Energy Choices Twitter
Opposition
Footnotes
- ↑ Nevada Secretary of State, "Initiative Petition," accessed February 5, 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Initiative proposes breaking up NV Energy monopoly," February 4, 2016
- ↑ Reno Gazette-Journal, "Things to know on a ballot measure to end NV Energy monopoly," April 25, 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Nevada Secretary of State, "The Energy Choice Initiative," accessed September 8, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Question 3 allows Nevadans to choose their energy future," October 29, 2016
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 State of Nevada, "Statewide Ballot Questions," accessed September 24, 2016
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source. Cite error: Invalid
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tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Nevadans for Affordable Clean Energy Choices, "Homepage," accessed October 9, 2016
- ↑ KUNR, "Reid backs proposed measure to diversify power delivery," February 18, 2016
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Nevadans for Affordable Clean Energy Choices, "About," accessed October 9, 2016
- ↑ VegasINC, "Tesla, Switch backing effort to end NV Energy monopoly," March 25, 2016
- ↑ Nevadans for Affordable Clean Energy Choices, "Winnemucca Farms Announces Support for Energy Choice Initiative," August 24, 2016
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Las Vegas Sun, "Electricity competition worked for them," October 26, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Ballot measure would free energy consumers," October 22, 2016
- ↑ Reno Gazette-Journal, "One View: Question 3 gives consumers freedom, opportunity," November 3, 2016
- ↑ Nevadans for Affordable Clean, Energy Choices, "FAQs," accessed October 9, 2016
- ↑ Think Progress, "Nevada voters can choose a clean energy revolution," November 4, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Ballot measure would free energy consumers," October 22, 2016
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 No Handouts to Billionaires, "Homepage," accessed October 26, 2016
- ↑ IBEW 1245, "IBEW 1245 at NV Energy," accessed October 27, 2016
- ↑ IBEW 1245, "No Handouts to Billionaires — Vote NO on Question 3," October 4, 2016
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Elko Daily Free Press, "Commentary: Three state ballot measures we oppose," October 27, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Sun, "Union opposes NV Energy breakup, Reid backs it, and utility claims to be neutral," August 17, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Culinary union urging members to vote against Question 3," October 12, 2016
- ↑ IBEW 1245, "Proposed Ballot Measure Could Open the Door to Energy Deregulation & Job Loss in Nevada," February 6, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review Journal, "NV Energy neutral on measure to give Nevadans energy choices," August 16, 2016
- ↑ NV Energy, "Nevada’s Energy Future: Key Principles," accessed October 10, 2016
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 Nevada Secretary of State, "Contributions and Expenses Report: Nevadans for Affordable, Clean Energy Choices," accessed January 16, 2017
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 Nevada Secretary of State, "No Handouts to Billionaires Committee," accessed January 16, 2017
- ↑ Nevada Secretary of State, "Important 2016 Campaign Finance Reporting Dates," accessed September 25, 2016
- ↑ Lahontan Valley News, "Questions 3 & 4 deserve thumbs up," November 1, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Editorial: Ballot questions," October 21, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Sun, "Electric customers need options; Question 3 makes way for them," October 18, 2016
- ↑ Mesquite Local News, "Voters should dump a tax, add a tax and end a monopoly," October 27, 2016
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 Nevada Sagebrush, "It's Time for NV Energy's Monopoly to End," September 6, 2016
- ↑ Reno Gazette-Journal, "Our view: Yes on Q3 to deregulate Nevada energy market," October 17, 2016
- ↑ KTNV-TV 13 Action News, "KTNV/RASMUSSEN POLL: Voters favor ESAs, energy deregulation and net metering ballot questions," August 2, 2016
- ↑ Suffolk University, "Suffolk University Nevada Poll Shows Clinton at 44 Percent to Trump’s 42 Percent," August 18, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Nevada Poll: Voters strongly support Questions 3 and 4," October 7, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Nevada Poll: Likely voters still overwhelmingly favor energy competition question," October 26, 2016
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 Wall Street Journal, “Nevada Voters Weigh Deregulation of Electricity Market,” October 18, 2016
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau, "Public Utilities and Energy," April 2016
- ↑ Wall Street Journal, "Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific Plan Merger Deal of at Least $1 Billion," May 1, 1998
- ↑ Power Magazine, "NV Energy: Warren Buffett’s Plan for a Structural Power Shift," September 1, 2015
- ↑ U.S. Energy Department, "350 Megawatt Requirement (NV Energy)," November 12, 2013
- ↑ The Republic, "15 Las Vegas Strip properties unplugging from NV Energy grid," September 30, 2016
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ Las Vegas Sun, "Data center company Switch finally OK’d to leave NV Energy," December 23, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Sun, "Peppermill casino in Reno leaving NV Energy," August 18, 2017
- ↑ How Stuff Works, "How Power Grids Work," accessed April 21, 2015
- ↑ RWE, "How the electricity price is determined," accessed April 21, 2015
- ↑ Forbes, "How The Price For Power Is Set," December 26, 2012
- ↑ RCG Economics, "Job Analysis & Forecast: Yes on Question 3," October 20, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Energy Choice ballot question would create thousands of jobs, analysis shows," October 24, 2016
- ↑ Daily Journal, "Three groups proposing Nevada ballot measures have submitted signatures that could qualify them for the November election," June 21, 2016
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Solar coalition submits double the number of signatures needed to get referendum on ballot," June 21, 2016
- ↑ Review Journal, "3 new petitions approved for Nov. 8 ballot in Nevada," July 12, 2016
- ↑ Ballotpedia staff writer, "Telephone correspondance with First Judicial District Court Clerk," September 6, 2017
- ↑ 59.0 59.1 Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Legal challenge filed in court against Nevada energy competition ballot Question 3," October 7, 2016
- ↑ Nevada First Judicial District Court, "Bird and Tuzzolo v. Cegavske and NACEC," October 6, 2016
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