The Stakes
Water is Nevada's existential threat. The shrinking Colorado River requires drastic conservation measures. Meanwhile, the "Lithium Loop" promises economic boom but threatens local ecosystems and indigenous lands.
Energy Policy Deep Dive
Where They Stand
Aaron Ford
Democrat · Attorney General
Legislative Record (2017)
100% Nevada Conservation League score. Named "Senator of the Year" (2013).
- • Voted YES on AB 206 (More Renewable Energy)
- • Voted YES on AB 405 (Restoring Rooftop Solar)
- • Voted YES on SB 392 (Community Solar Gardens)
- • Voted YES on SB 512 (Lake Tahoe conservation)[E6]NCL Voting Record
AG Actions
Fighting NV Energy rates and defending federal clean energy funding.
Critical Gaps
No water policy articulated despite February 2026 Colorado River deadline. Complete silence on Thacker Pass lithium mining despite tribal opposition. 2026 campaign has not prominently featured environmental issues.
Alexis Hill
Democrat · Washoe County Commission Chair
Climate Action Leadership
Authored Washoe County's first Community Climate Action Plan.
- • Net Zero 2050 goal under her leadership
- • Hired county's first Sustainability Manager
- • Secured $100K IRA grant for rural energy planning[E9]Washoe County records
- • Celebrated $9.14B in Nevada clean energy investments
Water & Public Lands
Serves on TMWA Board (440K+ residents). Focus on Truckee basin, not Colorado River.
- • Supports Sen. Rosen's Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act
- • Opposes federal land sales: "proceeds will go towards the richest"
- • Supports tribal co-management provisions[E10]TRPA records
Lake Tahoe Controversy
As TRPA Board member, voted for higher-density development in Tahoe town centers. Sierra Club Tahoe Area Group criticized her for "supporting luxury development over workforce housing." Hill responded: "I don't always listen to the loudest voices in the room."
Irina Hansen
Republican · Challenger
No Documented Positions
Hansen's campaign website covers education, housing, Second Amendment, and election integrity. Environmental, water, energy, and mining issues are entirely absent.
Matthew Winterhawk
Republican · Challenger
Water Statement
Only documented position: "We must protect our water" (Ballotpedia survey). Framed as anti-federal sovereignty issue, not conservation.
NLSARA Land Proposal
Proposes transferring ~80% of Nevada (federal land) to state control. Would keep "all profits from mining and resource use" in Nevada. [MW11]W4Nevada campaign
No positions on: NV Energy, renewables, Greenlink, Thacker Pass lithium, rooftop solar, nuclear energy, or climate change.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Issue | Lombardo | Ford | Hill | Hansen | Winterhawk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Conservation | Signed SNWA bill | Limited record | TMWA Board | No position | "Protect water" |
| Colorado River | Active negotiator | No stated position | N/A (Truckee) | No position | No position |
| NV Energy | Status quo | Fighting rates | No position | No position | No position |
| Renewable Energy | Mixed; gas priority | 100% voting record | County CAP | No position | No position |
| Rooftop Solar | PUC hurt customers | Defending it | No position | No position | No position |
| Lithium/Thacker Pass | Strong advocate | Silent | Indirect support | No position | No position |
| Climate Action | Left Alliance | Acknowledged | County CAP author | No position | Not mentioned |