A recent editorial about Earth Day stressed the importance of becoming educated about climate change (“Earth Day values should guide us year-round,” In Our View, April 18). Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases, which are produced mostly by the burning of gasoline and natural gas.
In 2023, our Legislature amended The Growth Management Act to require Clark County and other counties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled, and to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
In early 2024, Clark County created a Community Advisory Group with 20 members to recommend goals and policies for emissions reduction. Their unanimous consensus is posted on the county website. If that is too long for you to read, here’s my high-level perspective on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
Step 1: Stop creating new barriers to clean energy. New buildings should be EV ready and solar ready. Step 2: Stop digging. Step 3: Maximize energy efficiency. Step 4: Electrify everything if possible, such as with EVs and heat pump water heaters. Step 5: Allow people to live near work and allow mixed-use development.
