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The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) was established in 1969 as the nation’s first bi-state regional environmental planning agency. Its mission is to lead the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. One of their programs is Climate Resilience.
Housed Under DCNR, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s (NDEP) mission is to preserve and enhance the environment of the State to protect public health, sustain healthy ecosystems, and contribute to a vibrant economy. Beyond the programs listed below NDEP’s leadership serves on various entities that look at climate resiliency. The Administrator serves on the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), which works to improve the capability of state environmental agencies and their leaders to protect and improve human health and the environment of the United States. s water resources.
NDEP received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to develop plans to reduce Nevada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) is the first of two plans that NDEP will develop with this funding. The primary objective is to identify near-term, high-priority, implementation-ready measures to reduce GHG emissions. These measures are designed to be eligible for CPRG Phase 2 funding and other grants.
NDEP is tasked with the stewardship of our State’s, air quality. The quality of the air has effects on human health, plant and animal life, and the aesthetic beauty of Nevada. The Bureaus of Air Pollution Control and Air Quality Planning work to tackle the challenges of maintaining air quality in the growing state. The Air Bureaus implement permitting programs and long-term strategies to improve air quality. NDEP is also responsible for managing the state’s “spill hotline” program to help prevent chemical incidents, spills or other environmental damage at industrial facilities.
NDEP is also responsible for preparing and publishing the annual Nevada Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Projection. This report contains an updated inventory of GHG emissions in Nevada, and projected GHG emissions for the following 20 years. This report reflects the best and most complete datasets available at the time of the publication.
NDEP received funds through the U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) for the creation of a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), by March 1, 2024, and a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) by July 1, 2025. The PCAP is instrumental for the State of Nevada to apply to the competitive project funding phase of the CPRG, which is $4.6B nationwide. The application, submitted April 1, 2024, includes measures that, if awarded, will achieve near- and long-term emissions reduction through permanent, readily deployable technology, incentives, education, technical support, and revolving loans.
Emissions from on-road engines such as cars, trucks, and buses constitute one of the primary sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Nevada, especially in the state's major population centers. NDEP’s focus is to develop strategies and implement programs to control these sources of pollution, by incentivizing the replacement of old vehicles with newer, cleaner technology. NDEP implements the Nevada Clean Diesel Program, which aims to reduce diesel and GHG emissions from trucks and buses owned by public entities such as school districts, counties, and municipalities. Partially funded by the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act, this program has focused in the most recent years on the replacement of old diesel vehicles with zero-emission technology.
Collaborating with the Nevada Department of Transportation, NDEP is in the process of developing the Clean Trucks and Buses Incentive Program, as established by the Nevada Legislature in 2023 through Assembly Bill 184. When fully implemented, this program will fund rebates for the replacement of public and private medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Clean Cars Nevada regulations were filed with the Secretary of State on October 25, 2021. Manufacturers must adhere to the Low Emission Vehicle III standards and the Zero Emission Vehicle program for vehicle model year 2025.
In 2017, Volkswagen reached a settlement with the U.S. Government and California following revelations that the company had designed their diesel-powered cars to cheat
on smog tests, thereby violating the Clean Air Act. Nearly 6,000 Volkswagen diesel-powered cars in Nevada and more than 590,000 across the U.S. emitted nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution over the legal limit — sometimes by as much as 40 times. Through the national settlement, Nevada is receiving $24.8 million to fund projects that will o set the excess pollution emitted by Volkswagen across the state.
NDEP in association with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Business Environmental Program, has reopened the Carson City and Douglas County Wood Stove Change-Out Program. This voluntary campaign provides residents of Carson City and Douglas County with financial incentives to replace their old dirty-burning wood stoves with new, efficient, and cleaner-burning stoves. Rebate amounts of $600 for a new wood burning stove, $800 for a new pellet stove, and $1200 for a new natural gas stove are available through participating Northern Nevada retailers for the purchase of new, EPA-certified wood, pellet, or gas stoves. Funding is limited. For more information see the UNR Business Environmental Program's Homeowner Information page.
NDEP works to protect the land from contamination to provide Nevadans with a clean and healthy state. Nevada’s mining and waste permitting programs minimize impacts to the environment. Where contamination is discovered, environmental cleanup programs provide the oversight and support services to conduct effective cleanup activities.
The Bureau of Sustainable Materials Management operates permitting and compliance programs to ensure the safe management of solid and hazardous waste. In addition, waste reduction, reuse, and recycling are promoted. Solid Materials Management encompasses the agency's hazardous and solid waste programs, as well as its recycling program.
Home means a sustainable Nevada, where Nevadans can grow and prosper, while maintaining our natural resources for generations to come. Whether in the private or public sector, each Nevadan has a role to play with advancing sustainability in the Silver State. To do so, NDEP has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss sustainability issues, opportunities, and innovative solutions. The Partners for a
Sustainable Nevada unites non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government entities to enhance communication and collaboration, advocate for sustainability programs statewide, and steer stakeholders towards a shared vision. This involves reshaping Nevada's approach to sustainability for future generations by identifying and promoting opportunities to bolster and extend sustainability initiatives across the state.
nitiatives across the state.
The Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation (BMRR) is committed to safeguarding Nevada's waters from degradation caused by mining activities. Additionally, BMRR strives to restore lands disturbed by mining operations to safe and stable conditions, ensuring their suitability for productive post-mining land use. Some post-mining land uses can include renewable energy sites such as the Nature Conservancy’s Mining the Sun Initiative. The Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program aims to address potential human health and ecological risks stemming from contamination linked to historical heavy metal mining operations, particularly those occurring before September 1, 1989.
On February 25, 2022, NDEP issued air, water, and mining permits for the proposed Thacker Pass Lithium Mine Project. As part of the decision, no mining will be allowed below the water table. Approval for these permits comes after an extensive application review and revision process, as well as months of public engagement with the Orovada community and the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribes. All three permits, which are required for Lithium Nevada to start construction and operate the mine, come after NDEP determined the project can operate in a way that protects public health and the environment.
NDEP uses spatial data to support environmental analysis and decision making. This website provides public access to spatial data through web map applications and map services.
In 2003, discussions about establishing the Nevada Tribal Liaison Program were initiated by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, the EPA Region 9 Tribal Program and NDEP. The Tribal Liaison Program remains active, with NDEP staff engaging in collaborative efforts with the Liaison on topics spanning various environmental media and including discussions on climate innovation.
Nevada remains the most arid state in the Nation, making access to clean water, which is essential to human health and to Nevada’s economy, even more challenging. The State of Nevada supports smart conservation measures to conserve this valuable resource and ensure clean lakes, streams, rivers, and drinking water is available to all.
Through its State Revolving Funds within the Clean Water and Drinking Water Programs, NDEP provides loans for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including projects that address drought mitigation. Storm water projects and projects aimed at mitigating flood impacts are also eligible for funding. Within the Clean Water Program of the State Revolving Funds, 10% is federally mandated for the “Green Project Reserve.” This is used for projects such as energy audits, solar and wind installation, and wastewater reuse for drought mitigation.
The Bureau of Water Quality Planning establishes, reviews and revises water quality standards for surface water, develops total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), manages the Non-Point Source Programs, issues Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certifications and conducts statewide monitoring of surface waters.
Over the coming year, NDEP will evaluate the climate vulnerability of Nevada’s watersheds using federal EPA grant funds. Understanding which watersheds in Nevada are most vulnerable to stressors associated with climate change will help NDEP factor climate considerations into its water quality management program. This assessment will prioritize underserved communities that may be impacted by climate change.
Surface water temperature is an important indicator of climate change. NDEP measures the temperature of surface water bodies throughout Nevada and is in the process of increasing efforts to measure temperature continuously using sensors. Temperature data are used to characterize waters, identify trends over time, recognize emerging problems, determine effectiveness of water management programs, and help direct remediation efforts where they are most needed.
NDEP has taken a leadership role in developing a statewide Strategic Response Plan (SRP) to safeguard the public from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The SRP is implemented in collaboration across divisions, including the Nevada Division of State Parks. Other state agency partners include, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Office of State Epidemiology, and Nevada Department of Wildlife. NDEP is funding the development of a satellite-based remote sensing tool to better detect and respond to HABs and measure the potential toxicity of blooms. When threats to public health, pet health and wildlife health exist, Task Force agencies respond by issuing recreational advisories, posting signage, and public notifications.
NDEP has a critical role in the effort to improve Lake Tahoe’s world-renowned water clarity and reduce sources of pollution the impact the lake. Among other activities, NDEP participated in a multiagency effort to develop a Climate Resilience Action Strategy that identifies actions and projects that agencies will implement to build resilience to the impacts of climate change at Lake Tahoe. NDEP funded two studies relevant to Lake
Tahoe Clarity. The Lake Tahoe Seasonal and Long-term Clarity Assessment bolstered previous research findings that climate change is impacting Lake Tahoe clarity. The Tahoe Stormwater Treatment BMPs in a Changing Climate project received funding from both NDEP and the Nevada Division of State Lands. Its objective is to provide insights into stormwater management in the Tahoe Basin amid anticipated changes in urban hydrology due to climate change. This involves utilizing climate change projections to identify potential shifts and to explore new treatment BMP options with improved pollutant removal capabilities suitable for cold weather environments.
Safe drinking water is vital to the public health, welfare, and economy of Nevada. When an individual turns on a drinking water tap, it symbolizes one of the most intimate links between public trust and the government's responsibility to safeguard public health. Unlike many other day-to-day government activities, drinking water regulation has a direct effect on the well-being of every citizen.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of emerging contaminants made up of several thousand compounds. Emerging contaminants are pollutants that affect the quality of drinking water, surface water and other environmental media. The focus of PFAS work currently is oriented toward public health protection through safe drinking water. Solutions to address PFAS contamination in the environment may need pairing with climate innovation in order to ensure that the solution to one problem does not create a different one.
The Bureau of Water Pollution Control (BWPC) protects the waters of the State from the discharge of pollutants. The BWPC regulates all discharges to waters of the State through issuing permits and enforcing the State's water pollution control laws and regulations. In addition, Bureau staff provides technical assistance to dischargers. This program is a partner to NDEP infrastructure financing program in relationship to establishing or updating wastewater treatment to be more “green” and energy efficient.
Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Programs protect public health and the environment through certified operators responsible for the operation of water treatment plants, water distribution systems, or wastewater treatment plants. The program provides testing, recording, program information services, ensures that comprehensive and ongoing training is given to Nevada's water and wastewater operator community. This is especially relevant in climate innovation in which efficient operation of water and wastewater utilities can directly correlate to reduction in energy usage, or the deployment of renewable energy technology.