Nevada tells Feds: Keep your energy money and your rules

By Kelly Chapman  

Nevada News and Views

On July 31, Nevada made a bold move. The Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE) said “no thanks” to $1.5 million in federal clean energy grants.

While that might sound surprising (who turns down free money?) there’s more to the story.

Governor Joe Lombardo, along with GOE Director David Bobzien, made the call. They believed the money came with too many strings attached.

What Was Offered?

The $1.5 million came from the U.S. Department of Energy. It was meant to support green energy efforts in Nevada.

In order to get the money, the state would have to agree to a list of demands: strict rules on emissions, labor hiring mandates, and ongoing federal oversight.

In other words, the money wasn’t free. It came with pages of fine print.

A Different Approach

Instead of taking the cash, Nevada has pointed to its own success. The state recently completed its “Electric Highway”, a series of EV charging stations along major roads — and did it without federal help.

It’s a clear message: we can handle energy projects just fine on our own.

Why Conservatives Support the Move

This decision hits on several big ideas that matter to conservatives:

1.State Control Over Federal Rules:

Accepting federal money often means giving up control. In this case, Nevada would have to follow Washington’s rules, even if they didn’t fit the state’s economy or energy needs. Conservatives see that as a threat to local decision-making.

2. Protecting Small Businesses:

Energy producers and small businesses in Nevada worried that meeting federal rules would be expensive. Upgrading equipment to meet emissions goals and following strict hiring rules could drive up costs and hurt job growth—especially in rural areas.

3. Pushback on Climate Politics:

Many conservatives are skeptical of aggressive climate plans from Washington. They argue that these policies often ignore real-world effects, like lost jobs or higher power bills. In a state that relies on mining, tourism, and affordable energy, those costs matter.

4. Ties to the DOGE Movement:

This choice also lines up with a new deregulatory effort from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced earlier this year. That group, with leaders like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, wants to strip away burdensome rules that hold back growth. Nevada’s move fits that mindset perfectly.

Voices of Dissent

Some say Nevada is giving up progress on clean energy. Others worry that skipping federal help could put Nevada behind other states when it comes to new technology.

But supporters have pushed back, saying we’re capable of handling things just fine on our own.

What This Means for Other States

Nevada’s decision could be a sign of things to come. If more states start rejecting grants that come with strict rules, we could see a bigger shift. Local governments may choose freedom over federal funding — even if that means turning down money.

With DOGE’s deregulatory plan gaining steam, conservative leaders across the country are taking notes.

What We Learned

Nevada chose freedom over funding. By saying no to Washington’s money, the state stood up for its right to decide what’s best for its people and its economy.

It’s not about the money. It’s about who’s in charge: local leaders in Nevada, or federal officials in DC.

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Kelly Chapman is the executive director of the Nevada Business Alliance, a candidate for Nevada Assembly District 8, and a 46-year resident of Las Vegas. You can reach her at NevadaBizAlliance@gmail.com or (702) 483-0186. You can follow her on Twitter/X here: @Chapman4Nevada.