Yesterday, Governor Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 458 into law. Sponsored by Assemblymember Howard Watts, the legislation enables federally regulated multi-family affordable housing to engage in virtual net metering. This system allows multiple households to benefit from a single solar installation through bill credits.
JoAnna Strother, senior director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Nevada, highlighted findings from their 2025 "State of the Air" report. "The American Lung Association 2025 'State of the Air' report found that 93% of Nevada residents live in a county with at least one failing air quality grade," she stated. She emphasized that fossil fuel-based electricity generation produces pollutants harmful to health and contributing to ground-level ozone and particle pollution. According to Strother, AB458 will help reduce air pollution statewide and ensure healthier air for all Nevadans.
Combustion-based electricity generates pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone and particle pollution formation. Both Las Vegas and Reno are ranked among the top 25 most polluted cities concerning ozone, short-term, and annual particle pollution levels. Poor air quality poses risks such as preterm birth, worsened lung and heart diseases, and even premature death. The impact of air pollution is not uniformly distributed; children, seniors, individuals with existing lung or heart conditions, communities of color, and lower-income communities face greater health risks due to exposure or other underlying health conditions.
Strother expressed gratitude towards those involved in passing the bill: "We appreciate Assemblymember Watts, the Nevada delegation, and Governor Lombardo bringing cleaner and healthier air to Nevada."
