American Lung Association Applauds Passage of Solar-Powered Affordable Housing bill

Yesterday, Governor Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 458 sponsored by Assemblymember Howard Watts. This legislation allows federally regulated multi-family affordable housing to participate in virtual new metering- a system that allows multiple households to share the benefits of a single solar installation through bill credits.

“The American Lung Association 2025 “State of the Air” report found that 93% of Nevada residents live in a county with at least one failing air quality grade”, said JoAnna Strother, senior director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Nevada. Fossil fuel-based electricity generation produces air pollutants that harm health and contribute to ground-level ozone and particle pollution, AB458 will reduce air pollution across the state and ensure all Nevadans can breathe healthier air. This is an important step forward.”

Combustion-based electricity generates dangerous air pollutants that threaten health and contribute to ground-level ozone and particle pollution formation. Both Las Vegas and Reno rank among the top 25 most polluted cities for ozone, short-term, and annual particle pollution levels. Poor air quality increases the risk of preterm birth, worsens lung and heart diseases, and even premature death. The health burden of air pollution is not evenly shared. Children, seniors, people with existing lung or heart illness, communities of color and lower-income communities face greater health risks due to their exposure or other underlying health conditions. 

“We appreciate Assemblymember Watts, the Nevada delegation, and Governor Lombardo, bringing cleaner and healthier air to Nevada,” concluded Strother.