opinion

Nevada voters must double down on clean energy: Hunter

Climate change poses the greatest environmental risk of our time. At Patagonia, we believe businesses have a unique opportunity to be a part of the solution in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Since our founding more than 40 years ago, Patagonia has actively engaged in efforts to protect and preserve the environment by committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, defend clean air and water and invest in clean technologies. Our commitment to these values is not what we do after hours — it is the reason we are in business and part of our everyday work.

More: Governor misses chance to truly create 'New Nevada': Andy Wirth

More: Energy choice, renewable energy can work hand-in-hand: Schulze

More: How to submit an opinion column or letter to the editor

In the wake of the Governor Sandoval’s veto of a proposed increase to the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS), Nevada must double down to create a prosperous clean energy future. Here at Patagonia, we believe that the advancement of clean energy plays an essential role in our commitment to create a more sustainable future for people, the outdoors and our bottom line. A stronger RPS will drive clean energy investment here in Nevada — strengthening our economy and creating local jobs.

Clean energy has a major role to play in the upcoming election. As Nevadans head to the polls this November, they will have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposal to increase Nevada’s RPS to 50 percent by 2030. For this ballot initiative to become law, voters must approve it in two consecutive elections, once this year and then again in 2020. During this time, state lawmakers also will have an opportunity to increase the RPS through legislative action.

At Patagonia, we strive to reduce our impact on the environment in all aspects of our business, from the products we sell to the resources we use at our stores and facilities. Our commitment to sustainability is not only something that our customers value, it also benefits our bottom line. For example, during 2017, we generated 120,440 kWh of on-site renewable energy at our offices in Ventura, California, and at our Reno Service Center. Through our Tin Shed Ventures Fund we have also invested in two residential solar funds, the most recent of which generates over 6,000,000 kWh per year.

We are not alone in this pursuit. Nevada businesses of all sizes are investing in renewable energy at a rapid pace due to its dramatically declining costs and the state’s abundant solar, geothermal, and wind resources. Clean energy standards like the RPS create policy certainty and help attract companies that are looking to make long-term investments to achieve ambitious climate and clean energy goals.

Nevada already has taken many important steps toward an economically strong clean energy future, but there is more work to be done if we are to harness the full potential of our abundant renewable resources. We are counting on Nevada’s next governor to embrace a stronger RPS and keep our state’s clean energy economy thriving. The future of our planet — and a thriving energy economy in Nevada — depends on it.

Ron Hunter is Patagonia’s environmental activism manager at its Reno Service Center. Patagonia is also a member of the Ceres Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) Network.