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The State of Nevada, Washoe County, and the City of Reno invested $5.7 million in a carbon emissions tracking project with NZero (formerly Ledger8760.)

Recent findings reveal that the project to provide real-time data to guide environmental decisions did not deliver on its promises, raising questions about whether the investment was a good deal for Nevada taxpayers.

The project, championed by former Governor Steve Sisolak, was part of his broader environmental strategy.

Under his leadership, the state sought to position itself at the forefront of climate action through innovative partnerships and investments in technology. Sisolak pushed for the NZero contract, intending to create a model for other states to follow in tracking and reducing carbon emissions.

“We wanted Nevada to be a leader in the fight against climate change,” Sisolak stated during the project’s launch. “This platform was supposed to give us the tools to make informed decisions and take meaningful action.”

However, its performance has fallen short of the stated goals. The carbon tracking platform struggled with significant delays in data reporting, often providing data months late instead of the promised real-time updates, undermining the state and local government’s ability to make timely decisions regarding carbon reduction strategies.

Robin Yochum, a former programs manager at the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy, expressed concerns about the project’s effectiveness.

“The data was often delayed by months, which undermined the ability to make timely decisions,” Yochum said. “We were expecting real-time tracking capabilities, but the reality fell short.”

The project also faced challenges securing real-time data from utility providers like NV Energy and Southwest Gas, further hindering the platform’s ability to deliver comprehensive insights. When NV Energy cut off the feed, the county lost access to its month-old data for nearly a year., while NZero continued to collect its $6,000 monthly fee for providing it.

“Without real-time utility data, the platform couldn’t provide the comprehensive insights we needed,” Yochum added. “It became clear that the investment wasn’t delivering the expected outcomes.”

As a result, the data provided by NZero had a slight impact on state and local carbon reduction efforts. While Washoe County and the City of Reno have used the data to implement a few projects, the State of Nevada has yet to use the information for efficiency upgrades.

“The $5.7 million could have been better spent on direct improvements to government infrastructure,” Yochum suggested. “Instead of a data platform that didn’t live up to its promises, we could have invested in tangible projects with immediate benefits.”

The decision to use NZero came under the Sisolak administration, and some critics argue that the former governor’s eagerness to advance the United Nation’s climate agenda may have led to a lack of thorough vetting. Documents reveal that the state and local governments rushed into hiring NZero without fully considering other competitors or the company’s ability to deliver on its promises.

“There was a rush to contract with NZero, and that led to a lack of due diligence,” a source close to the decision-making process said. “It’s clear now that more careful oversight was needed.”

The broader context of the carbon tracking industry, characterized by an absence of standardized methods and regulations, may have also contributed to the project’s underperformance.

Climate economist Danny Cullenward noted that this regulatory gap makes it difficult to hold companies like NZero accountable for their results.

“Without established standards, it’s difficult to hold these companies accountable,” Cullenward explained. “This lack of regulation creates a risk that public funds are not used effectively.”

The NZero project, once hailed as a pioneering effort in climate action, now serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges and risks of public-private partnerships in the environmental sector. While these partnerships can introduce innovation, they require rigorous oversight to ensure taxpayer funding gets spent effectively.

In this case, the lack of oversight and the rush to engage NZero led to concerns that the project was not a good deal for Nevada taxpayers.

“In hindsight, it’s clear that we should have been more cautious,” Yochum concluded. “This experience should serve as a lesson for future investments in climate initiatives.”

Meanwhile, the NZero board has replaced the company CEO with Josh Weber, one of the co-founders, and both Josh Griffin and Matt Griffin resigned earlier this year. The company has lost about a third of its employees.

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, exempting tips from federal income taxes is gaining support.

Americans have long been known for their generous tipping habits, with U.S. tipping culture extending to more occupations and involving higher amounts than most other countries. However, this culture may soon become even more pervasive, but it could have unintended consequences for consumers and workers.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw increased tipping as Americans sought to support service workers during difficult times. Tip jars that once collected spare change began to be replaced by digital touch screens suggesting higher tip amounts, even for small transactions. The result has been an expansion of tipping expectations, with more people feeling pressured to tip in situations where it was previously uncommon.

A Pew Research Center survey from November revealed that 72 percent of U.S. adults believe tipping in more places than five years ago is expected. A WalletHub survey from February echoes this, where three out of four respondents expressed the view that tipping has gotten out of control. The psychological burden of determining when and how much to tip has only added to the frustration.

The proposal to exempt tips from federal taxes could simplify payroll for employers and reduce the discrepancies between reported credit card tips and unreported cash tips. However, it might also encourage more businesses to introduce tipping, expanding it to new sectors.

While Vice President Kamala Harris has suggested that the tax exemption would apply specifically to service and hospitality workers, the pressure to extend this benefit to other low-paid workers could be significant.

Critics argue the proposal is about securing votes in states like Nevada rather than addressing broader income inequality. A more equitable solution might involve increasing the standard deduction or expanding the earned income tax credit rather than creating a tax loophole that benefits only a specific group of workers.

Should the proposal be implemented, the loss of federal revenue would need to be compensated, likely leading to financial challenges in the future. However, this potential downside is unlikely to receive much attention as candidates focus on winning over voters in the upcoming election.

Fenton “Wade” Jones, a registered sex offender, was arrested Saturday night, August 31, by the Eureka County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) on multiple new sexual offense charges following an investigation triggered by information indicating that Jones was attempting to groom an underage girl.

Jones had been communicating with a 14-year-old girl, allegedly attempting to lure her into a romantic and potentially sexual relationship. He had arranged to meet the girl in Crescent Valley, a plan halted by local authorities.

Deputies arrested Jones while parked at a local business, where he admitted to communicating with the underage girl. Jones is currently at the White Pine County Detention Center.

The charges against him include Luring a Child with the Use of Computer Technology, Attempting to Use or Permit a Minor to Produce Pornography and Possession of Visual Pornography of a Person Under the Age of 16.

Given Jones’s familiarity with the underage girl and his willingness to engage with her despite knowing her age, the ECSO is seeking additional potential victims. Authorities ask anyone who may have had contact with Jones or believes someone they know could be a victim to come forward.

Information can be provided anonymously through the ESCO App or by email at seek@eurekacountynv.gov. The investigation remains ongoing, and those with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Eureka County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 237-5330.

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final Western Solar Plan could reshape Nevada’s landscape, designating nearly one-fifth of the state’s public lands for potential large-scale solar development.

Released on Thursday, August 29, the plan identifies approximately 18,000 square miles, or 11.8 million acres—about 17 percent of Nevada’s public lands—for five-megawatt solar projects or more. Only 15 percent of the state’s BLM-administered lands are available now for solar development.

While clean-energy advocates and solar developers have lauded the move, conservationists are voicing concerns about the environmental impact and the loss of public land access.

“This plan represents a huge opportunity for Nevada to lead in renewable energy,” said Ben Norris, vice president of regulatory affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “By adding 11 million acres to the original proposal, BLM has clearly listened to the solar industry’s feedback.”

The final plan increases the total acreage available in Nevada but boosts the public land open to solar development across the Western United States from 22 million to 31 million acres. BLM’s projections suggest, however, that only a fraction of this land—up to 700,000 acres—might be needed by 2045 for utility-scale solar projects.

“The overabundance of potential sites provides flexibility for addressing local concerns while maximizing solar siting opportunities,” the BLM noted in its plan.

The agency has also expanded the criteria for suitable land, allowing development on slopes of up to 10 percent (previously 5 percent) and within 15 miles of transmission lines (an increase from 10 miles), while also lowering the required transmission line capacity from 100 kilovolts to 69 kilovolts.

Despite these adjustments, environmental groups worry about the potential consequences for Nevada’s unique ecosystems.

Kevin Emmerich, co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, expressed fears that large-scale solar development could undermine the BLM’s mission of multiple land use by prioritizing corporate interests over public access.

“Large-scale solar energy takes the ‘public’ out of public lands by turning over our treasures to one corporate interest,” Emmerich said in an email.

One area of particular concern is the Amargosa River watershed, where roughly 300,000 acres are now open for potential solar development, including lands near the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Death Valley National Park.

Ashley Lee, board president of the Amargosa Conservancy, emphasized the importance of preserving this critical desert ecosystem.

“The Amargosa River watershed is an irreplaceable gem of the Mojave Desert, and we can’t let it be destroyed for industrial energy development,” Lee stated in an email.

The BLM’s new plan is an expansion of its original Western Solar Plan from 2012, which only covered Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The updated plan includes Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming.

As of June, the BLM had already permitted 62 solar projects in the Western United States, with 70 additional clean-energy projects under review.

The plan is now open for a 30-day protest period, allowing individuals and groups who have previously commented on the plan to raise further concerns. Once addressed, the BLM will finalize its decision and update its resource management plan.

The Washoe County Commission, led by Chairperson Alexis Hill, approved a block vote allocating nearly $3.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to twelve projects.

The decision, which included a $500,000 allocation to the Nevada Museum of Art to relocate the “Seven Magic Mountains” sculpture, has sparked backlash. The block vote passed with a 4-1 majority, with Republican Commissioners Jeanne Herman and Mike Clark raising concerns.

Although Clark objected to the block vote in principle, he ultimately voted in favor of it due to the funding request from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department. Herman was the sole vote against the block vote.

The “Seven Magic Mountains,” off I-15 near Las Vegas, is on land overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with a lease set to expire in 2026. The museum has indicated that the cost to relocate the artwork could exceed one million dollars.

After the vote, Clark asked the commission to reconsider the matter. He mentioned that although he supports the Nevada Museum of Art and frequently attends their events, he is unsure if allocating ARPA funds to the museum is the most effective use of funds.

“I’ve asked for the agenda item to come back to the commission, which I believe I can do since I voted in the affirmative,” Clark said. “I sent the email requesting the return of this agenda item – ARPA funds block vote to Commissioner Hill about thirty minutes ago and called DA Mary Kandaras to verbally convey my request. I believe we got hoodwinked, and all information was not provided to those of us on the dais. I’ve heard from over 100 residents who are riled up about this use of funds.”

The controversy deepened when Bethany Drysdale, a spokesperson for Washoe County, challenged the accuracy of reports suggesting Hill was responsible for bundling the ARPA projects together. Drysdale clarified that the ARPA projects were proposed by staff, not by any individual commissioner.

“The staff report was prepared by our Community Reinvestment Manager, and what was proposed in the staff report is what the board voted on. Chair Hill did not allocate any particular amount, nor is she responsible for bundling the grant projects together,” Drysdale explained.

However, Clark contested this account, stating that, according to his understanding and discussions with legal advisors, the final say on the agenda lies with the Chair.

“Anyone else who wants to try and say it is not so, is uninformed or trying to spread disinformation,” Clark asserted.

The board has not set a date to revisit the issue.

Fire crews battled a fire near the Mustang exit on Interstate 80, which started just before 11:45 a.m. Sunday, September 8.

A large plume of smoke was visible from the scene, as captured by NDOT’s traffic cameras. There is no information on threats to any buildings or evacuation orders.

Emergency responders worked to contain the blaze.

Valley Electric is installing a 37-megawatt solar power generator and storage system to serve the communities of Pahrump and Fish Lake Valley as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program.

The project will produce enough electricity to power 3,500 homes, according to a USDA news release issued on Thursday, August 29. The initiative is part of the Biden Administration’s effort to invest over $80 million in taxpayer funding into clean energy projects across Nevada.

The goals of the Biden Administration include lowering household power bills, expanding access to clean energy, and creating more jobs. The PACE program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, is seen as a historic move by Congress to address climate change, reduce consumer costs, and drive the global clean energy economy forward.

“Nevada reached its hottest summer yet on record, and at times like that, it’s especially important to have affordable, clean energy that’s also reliable,” said Xochitl Torres Small, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

The region around Pahrump, known for its vulnerability to wildfires, is expected to benefit significantly from the new facility by providing an uninterrupted supply of solar-generated electricity. Torres Small noted that the USDA has received numerous reports of power outages in Pahrump and Fish Lake Valley, particularly during periods of excessive heat, which can be detrimental to the health and safety of residents.

She recounted stories from the area, including a woman who purchased a backup generator and extension cords to ensure she would not be the only one with power during an outage.

“That just reinforces that rural communities find ways to make things work, and the Biden-Harris administration is proud to invest in them so that they can have that reliable, affordable power they deserve,” Torres Small added.

The USDA emphasized that, before the funds are delivered, Valley Electric must develop a community benefit plan that addresses labor agreements, workforce composition, and the impact on the community and land. It is a requirement of the Inflation Reduction Act, which Biden signed into law in 2022 as a cornerstone of his climate policy.

Torres Small further explained that Valley Electric plans to update its electric grid and power generation systems but lacks the funds. The PACE program has enabled them to move forward with this critical project.

“They had this plan they had wanted to do and weren’t able to do it until the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program came up, and then they were able to apply for the funds and felt like they could take that leap,” she said.

Nye County is the site of some of the largest solar projects in the state, including the 2,250-megawatt Chill Sun Solar Project along U.S. 95 and the 700-megawatt Copper Rays Solar Project southwest of Pahrump.

On Tuesday, August 20, Nevada’s Supreme Court declined to intervene in a controversy surrounding election certification despite requests from the state’s top election officials.

The issue arose when the Washoe County Commission initially voted against certifying recount results from the June primary, leading to concerns from Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar and Attorney General Aaron Ford. Aguilar and Ford sought a ruling from the court that counties do not have the legal authority to refuse to certify election results.

However, the high court ruled that the matter was moot since the Washoe County Commission later reversed its decision and certified the results in a subsequent vote. While the justices dismissed the request, they indicated the court has the authority to make such a declaration if the issue arises again.

Aguilar and Ford expressed disappointment with the court’s decision not to provide additional legal clarity before the upcoming general election on Tuesday, November 5. They warned that the lack of clarity could contribute to distrust in the electoral process, particularly in Washoe County, a critical swing region in Nevada.

Republican commissioners Jeanne Herman and Mike Clark, along with Republican Clara Andriola, initially voted against certification. Andriola, who later reversed her vote, stated that after consulting with the county district attorney’s office, she recognized the commission’s legal obligation to certify election results.

Listening to old-tymie blues, and I swear I can hear the rythme and steel guitars and a slap-bass up front…

Verse 1

Well, I swear your perfume’s got that wild, spicy flair,
Every time you come close, it’s like a daring dare.
Even though you’re dressed up, in those heels so high,
I can tell from your moves, you’ve got that naughty eye.

Chorus

Ohhh, you’re so hot, babe, you set me on fire,
When you sway like that, girl, it’s pure desire,
With a look that’s fierce and a touch so bold,
You’re a sizzling dream, with a story untold.

Verse 2

We’ll hit the town tonight, where the night’s alive,
Every touch and every glance keeps the heat on high.
Your dress may be fancy, but your vibe’s so raw,
Every move you make, babe, I want more.

Chorus

Ohhh, you’re so hot, babe, you set me on fire,
When you sway like that, girl, it’s pure desire,
With a look that’s fierce and a touch so bold,
You’re a sizzling dream, with a story untold.

Bridge

I’m gonna fill a big tub, let’s both slip right in,
Watch the bubbles rise and feel the heat begin.
In the steamy embrace, where the wild things play,
We’ll make a memory, that’s here to stay.

Outro

Ohhh, you’re so hot, babe, with that burning flame,
Every moment with you, drives me insane,
In the night where the sparks ignite,
You’re my wild child, my down-home delight.

The hard part of being a good conversationalist is listening to hear, not listening to respond. A harder thing for a man is not casually touching a woman for fear of being considered a creep, while a woman can carelessly caress a man’s hand or arm, and no one bats an eye.

The hardest of all is to meet a woman, develop an instant connection with her, and realize you will never meet again. Beyond all of this is learning the hard way that woman is the rarest of breeds as you become the victim of a female serial killer.