Opinion

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,...

Mining needs power, and that’s where energy lobbyists step in, wiring Nevada’s future. NV Energy, our dominant provider, spent $260,000 in 2018 alone on federal issues, per reports, influencing everything from renewable mandates to rate hikes. Example: The 2019 energy choice initiative aimed to break NV Energy’s hold, letting consumers...

Remember how lobbyists kill bills? Well, let’s zoom in on the gaming world, where lobbying isn’t just influence, it’s an art form that’s defined Nevada. Vegas wasn’t always the gambling hub, it boomed post-1950s when operators lobbied for regulations to shake off mob ties. Today, the industry employs over 200,000...

In our 20-part series, Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill: Nevada’s Wins and Losses, we end with a consumer hit. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (Sec. 1301) imposes 10–20% tariffs on imports, raising prices in Nevada’s retail sector, where 60% of goods are imported. Reno shopper Lisa pays $50 more for...

Building on who the players are, let’s talk tactics. Imagine a bill floating through the Nevada Assembly, one that could hike mining royalties and fund schools better. But poof, it vanishes. How? Lobbyists didn’t just show up, they engineered its demise from day one. Here’s how it works. Lobbyists start...

Our 20-part series, Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill: Nevada’s Wins and Losses, applauds parental power. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (Sec. 2601) provides $5 billion for school choice, letting Nevada parents pick better schools for 500,000 students. Henderson’s mom, Jane moves her son to a charter, raising grades by 10%....