The G3Wire

December 27, 2024

The Bureau of Land Management has launched a last minute review of the proposed Rock Valley Solar Project in the Amargosa Valley in Nye County, which would produce and store enough renewable energy to power about 360,000 homes in Nevada and California.  Federal land managers will determine whether one of the largest potential power-producing solar plants in the world can be built just up the road from a wildlife refuge home to a trove of species found nowhere else on the planet. Deportation could threaten agricultural economies; if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his pledge to deport millions of immigrants, it could upend the economies of states where farming and other food-related industries are crucial — and where labor shortages abound. And the median price of a house in Southern Nevada has gone up $162,541 or about 50 percent since the pandemic started in 2020, according to historical data from Las Vegas Realtors. These Nevada news links and lots more below!

State and Local Government Updates

NLV rejects home site for vets–Lot vacant for years, but city won’t rezone it

A nonprofit organization wanted to privately fund a facility that would house over 100 struggling veterans. North Las Vegas officials said the lot — which has sat empty for years — needed to be reserved for commercial space. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

With DMV’s streamlined online services, ‘there’s no gotchas’

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has launched a service that lets new residents register out-of-state vehicles online. (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevada Prison Conditions Draw Sharp Criticism: Calls for Reform and Accountability Intensify

Nevada’s prison system faced intense scrutiny during the year’s final Board of State Prison Commissioners meeting. Activists, family members of inmates, and state leaders gathered on Thursday to address pressing concerns about living conditions within the state’s prisons. (The Nevada Globe)

Board approves utility’s proposal–NV Energy solar, battery plan OK’d

The Public Utilities Commission approved NV Energy’s plans for keeping up with future energy demand. The approval green lights NV Energy’s plan, called an approved Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP, to add 1,000 megawatts of solar power and 1,000 megawatts of battery storage in Nevada, as well as adding approximately 400 megawatts of natural-gas peaking units. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Taxpayers’ willingness to pay for rural schools’ upkeep not keeping up with need

To augment facilities funding, districts may seek local voter approval to sell bonds, which work like loans. With bonds, a school district will ask local taxpayers to increase property taxes. The district then issues and sells bonds, using the proceeds from the increased taxes to repay its bond holders, or lenders. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada ranks worst in nation for unemployment at 5.7%: Where Northern Nevada stands

Nevada’s unemployment ranks worst in the nation as the year comes to a close at 5.7%, compared with a national rate of 4.2%.  Unemployment in Nevada edged 0.4 percentage points higher from a year ago.  This is based on seasonally adjusted data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation released Tuesday. (Reno Gazette Journal)

How Nevada small business are dealing with the ‘burden’ of inflation-fueled higher prices

Sticky inflation has been the talk of the last two years in the U.S. economy. For Nevada small business owners, those increases have forced them to trim budgets and push costs onto their consumers. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Love of languages, childhood abroad launched new Vegas Mexican consul’s career

So far, constituents seem more curious about Mexican politics than about the implications of a Trump administration that’s proposed tariffs, mass deportations. (The Nevada Independent)

Retiring superintendent reflects on 29 years at Lincoln County schools

Superintendent Pam Teel said her dedication to making sure all students receive the education they deserve and the support they need to bring out their potential has helped keep her in the district for almost three decades. (The Nevada Independent)

Federal Updates

Deportations could threaten agricultural economies

Immigrants make up about two-thirds of the nation’s crop farmworkers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and roughly 2 in 5 of them are not legally authorized to work in the United States. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

D.C. Download: Did NV members of Congress get everything on their wish lists?

Several bills bearing Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-NV), Sen. Jacky Rosen’s (D-NV) and Rep. Susie Lee’s (D-NV) name passed through Congress at the buzzer this week, either already signed into law by the president or in the queue for his signature. (The Nevada Independent)

BLM aims to prioritize new Amargosa Valley solar project, locals call foul

Federal land managers will determine whether one of the largest potential power-producing solar plants in the world can be built just up the road from a wildlife refuge home to a trove of species found nowhere else on the planet. (Nevada Current)

Nevada’s Potential Expansion of Immigration Detention Raises Concerns Amid Political Divide

Nevada has emerged as a potential site for expanded immigration detention facilities, according to documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). These revelations follow a request by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify locations for increasing detention capacity, including Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump. (The Nevada Globe)

D.C. Download: Did NV members of Congress get everything on their wish lists?

Several bills bearing Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-NV), Sen. Jacky Rosen’s (D-NV) and Rep. Susie Lee’s (D-NV) name passed through Congress at the buzzer this week, either already signed into law by the president or in the queue for his signature. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada senator close to securing $250 million for rural, tribal law enforcement

The “Invest to Protect Act” passed the senate unanimously, and it would set aside $250 million to help these agencies invest in recruitment, retention, training and mental health support. (msn.com)

Jacky Rosen pushes Nevada for Democrats’ first primary in 2028: ‘So proud to look like the rest of the nation’

Democrat Jacky Rosen is calling for Nevada to be the first Democratic primary in the 2028 presidential election. She also explained to Fox News her approach to winning over voters in a state that went narrowly for President-elect Trump. (yahoo.com)

Articles of Interest

Casino fraud under closer monitoring, investigation

A series of recent high-profile incidents involving Las Vegas casino operators — including MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and Resorts World Las Vegas — and alleged anti-money laundering compliance failures has brought increased attention to the role and responsibilities of casinos. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada payday loan ballot initiative dead after supporters stop getting signatures

Supporters decided to not spend money on signature-gathering efforts because of uncertainty surrounding whether the initiative would survive in court. (The Nevada Independent)

Indy Explains: How bird flu is affecting Nevada

The rampant spread of bird flu has led to increasing commercial egg prices, a declaration of emergency in a neighboring state and extra safety precautions in Nevada. (The Nevada Independent)

Lithium Americas and GM close joint venture for Thacker Pass mine in Nevada

Lithium Americas said on Monday it has closed its joint venture with U.S. automaker General Motors to develop the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Paul sour on pickleball–‘Waste’ of $12 million on 30 LV courts

A northwest Las Vegas pickleball complex in development was singled out this week by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who listed the project in a yearly report in which he chastises what he considers wasteful spending. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nongaming hotel rebranding–MGM, Marriott jointly operate Strip property

New name. New partners. New experience.  The Strip hotel on the Mandalay Bay casino-resort site formerly known as the Delano is now the W Las Vegas, a nongaming property jointly operated by MGM Resorts International and Marriott International Inc. The official rebranding took place last week. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Casino executives’ ‘right-hand woman’ had a front-row seat to Vegas’ growth

Shawn Cardinal, who has been executive assistant to Elaine Wynn and Frank Fertitta III, “developed a deep affection and a familial bond” with her bosses. (The Nevada Independent)

Indy Explains: How bird flu is affecting Nevada

The rampant spread of bird flu has led to increasing commercial egg prices, a declaration of emergency in a neighboring state and extra safety precautions in Nevada. (The Nevada Independent)

In holiday tradition, Nevada birders seek elusive ‘partridge in a pear tree’

The Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count, the longest-running citizen science project in the world. Hundreds of Nevadans participate each year, tracking data that paints a picture of evolving species trends and populations. (The Nevada Independent)

Could Nevada’s national monuments shrink under Trump?

South of Las Vegas, the more than 500,000-acre site is holy to Yumna-speaking Native American tribes, which credit the region with being their source of life and creation. Last year — thanks to President Joe Biden’s use of a 118-year-old law — Avi Kwa Ame joined the ranks of Tule Springs, Gold Butte, and Basin and Range as a national monument in Nevada. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Brightline West high-speed rail construction could start soon

Brightline West has a ton of momentum heading into the new year after securing billions in federal funding for the planned Southern Nevada to Southern California high-speed rail line. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Gaming revenue up as online gaming, sports betting expands; more news

A Las Vegas company has been recognized on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices with placement on both the DJSI World and DJSI North America lists for the fifth straight year. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Billionaire with Las Vegas ties nominated as next US ambassador to Italy

Tilman Fertitta is the chairman, chief executive officer and owner of Landry’s Inc., which operates three Golden Nugget casinos in Nevada. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

LV affordability hit–Report: One of costliest cities in nation to buy home

Las Vegas is the 11th-least-affordable city in the nation as only 18 percent of the homes on the market for sale are deemed affordable for a four-person household making the annual median income, according to the Urban Land Institute’s 2024 Home Attainability Index. The median income in Las Vegas is $70,723, according to the census. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Median home up 50% from ’20–Price rose $162.5K since start of pandemic

The median price of a house in Southern Nevada has gone up $162,541 or about 50 percent since the pandemic started in 2020, according to historical data from Las Vegas Realtors. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

30-year rates on the rise again–Mortgage at high seen in mid-July

WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose for the third straight week to its highest level since mid-July, reflecting a recent jump in the bond yields that lenders use as a guide to price home loans.  The rate rose to 6.85 percent from 6.72 percent last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate on a 30-year mortgage averaged 6.61 percent. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Driverless taxis making the rounds along the Strip, preparing for passenger rides

Zoox announced in early November that the autonomous vehicle company would be testing its robotaxis on the Strip, preparing to one day allow its driverless cars to transport tourists and locals along the boulevard. They’ve been spotted this month in the Resort Corridor. (Las Vegas Sun)

New Carson City sawmill playing key role in thinning forests, reducing wildfire risk

The sawmill, run in partnership with the business arm of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, is taking a market-oriented approach to megafires. (The Nevada Independent)

Election News

NV SOS Launches Four Investigations Into 2024 Election Violations

Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar (D) has released the third quarterly report (see below) on investigations into reports on election violations, including 2024 General Election investigations, to “increase transparency with the general public.” (The Nevada Globe)

GOP-led Congress will try to pass voting changes endorsed by Trump

Republicans plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress to push through long-sought changes that include voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevada turning red? Democrats’ plunge in registered voters made Trump’s win almost certain

The shrinking Democratic advantage was further erased by turnout. To be specific, 87% of registered Republicans voted compared with 80% of Democrats. That right there gave Republicans an extra 41,000 votes being cast. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Legislative Updates

Important Dates

First Day of Legislative Session         February 3^rd                Days Until: 38

• Check out the 973 bill draft requests that have been submitted up until now–BDR List.

• Bills from the 83^rd Legislative Session – to date: 166 bills

Democrats look to state legislatures as their anti-Trump ‘firewall’

As Democrats prepare for Republicans to take over the White House and Congress, they’re looking to their wins in state legislatures as a bright spot from November’s otherwise-disappointing election results — wins they say will be the basis for their anti-Trump “firewall.” (Nevada Current)