Part 6: National Shadows, Federal Lobbying Hits Nevada

Energy’s state games? They’re peanuts compared to how federal lobbying casts long shadows over Nevada. Big spenders in D.C. shape rules that dictate our industries, from mining permits to gaming taxes.

In 2024, total federal lobbying topped $4.5 billion, with Nevada interests like Ormat geothermal lobbying for green tax credits, boosting local jobs. But take the pharma lobby’s $293.7 million spend, it influenced the IRA to cap some drug prices, affecting Nevada’s elderly on fixed incomes.

Story from a Henderson vet: Federal gun lobby efforts, via NRA spending millions, preserved Nevada’s carry laws amid national debates. Conservatives cheer this as Second Amendment wins, but when tech giants like Meta spent $24.4 million in 2024 pushing antitrust exemptions, it feels like elite favoritism over fair play.

This national-local tie begs: Is lobbying free market or crony? Next, we’ll dissect from a bit of a conservative view, weighing pros against pitfalls that hit hardworking Nevadans.
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