Question 3 Threatens Rural Nevada
Who really benefits if the Energy Choice Initiative passes?
Wells Rural Electric Co. opposes Question 3 because, after 18 months of research and decades of industry experience, we believe it will hurt you, our members, and residential consumers around the state. We’re not alone.
Organizations that represent veterans, firefighters, police officers, farmers, ranchers, miners, laborers, electrical workers, retirees and many others share our concerns and opposition to Question 3. Here are a few of those concerns.
- Question 3 would lock a great deal of uncertainty into the state constitution, which would require a minimum of four years to revise.
- The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada conducted 10 days of hearings on Question 3. It concluded that rates for residential consumers are likely to increase and that passage of Question 3 would negatively affect rural Nevadans.
- Nonpartisan reports from the PUCN and the Kenny C. Guinn Center for Policy Priorities raise concerns over residential consumer protections and their exposure to predatory practices and scams.
- Question 3 would pass control of Nevada’s energy industry to the California Independent System Operator and expose Nevada consumers to market volatility and reliability issues.
Take a look at the list below of organizations opposing Question 3. Odds are you or somebody you know belongs to one of those organizations—and that’s only part of the list. Your beliefs might not align with all of the organizations, but that is sort of the point. All of these groups represent actual members who will have to live with the consequences of Question 3.
AARP has never taken a position on a ballot initiative in Nevada, but felt compelled to oppose Question 3 because higher rates will affect their members on fixed incomes.
Similarly, the Nevada Mining Association doesn’t generally weigh in on issues that don’t directly mention the mining industry. It chose to oppose Question 3 because it is concerned how their employees will be negatively affected and the uncertainty that would be created for their operations.
Clean energy proponents such as the Sierra Club and Southwest Energy Efficiency Project are also opposed to Question 3. You rarely see organizations such as the Sierra Club standing along- side the Nevada Mining Association, Nevada Farm Bureau and Nevada Cattleman’s Association on an issue.
Even the mining association and the cattlemen don’t always agree on issues. But they all agree that Question 3 will negatively impact Nevadans.
At the Elko County Fair Parade, Elko County Republicans and Elko County Democrats had “No on 3” signs on their floats. Question 3 isn’t a partisan issue. It’s just bad for Nevada.
Whether you plan to participate in early voting or head to a ballot booth November 6, we hope you vote to protect the choices that really matter.
Choose the constitution. Choose your bank account. Choose your cooperative
Vote no on 3.
GROUPS REPRESENTING REAL NEVADANS OPPOSE QUESTION 3
YOU SHOULD, TOO!
