Hello, Nevadans!

We accidentally have a bighorn sheep-loaded newsletter today. I’m not complaining—I find them fascinating. And while they have specialized hooves that help them grip the rocky terrain, they’re not goats; they’re true sheep.

Not-so-fun Fact: Populations of desert bighorn sheep declined drastically with European colonization of the American Southwest beginning in the 16th century. Desert bighorn sheep numbers remain below historical figures, but the overall population trend has increased since 1960 due to continued conservation efforts.

In today’s newsletter:

Thank you for starting your day with me!

Does Nevada have regulations on data centers? Not exactly. Nevada has guidance on how large energy users work with NV Energy. In March 2025, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) approved NV Energy’s Clean Transition Tariff, or CTT, a voluntary program for existing, large-load customers (with an annual average hourly load of 5 MW) seeking “clean-energy resources supplied directly by the utility.”

Who are the big players right now? Three agreements have been filed under the CTT: Google’s 115 MW enhanced geothermal project for data center operations, Coeur Rochester’s solar-plus-storage project for mining operations, and the Las Vegas Convention Center’s solar and battery storage project.

Is Nevada an outlier? Not really. Across the country, states and local governments are beginning to adopt policy guardrails specifically for data centers. These approaches generally do not prohibit data centers but instead aim to better manage their impact.

Some require tech developers to pay for necessary grid upgrades rather than passing costs to residents, to self-report energy and water use, and to undergo environmental and infrastructure assessments before project approval.

Several states and municipalities—including New York, Connecticut, and Colorado—have adopted or proposed temporary moratoriums, offered more public hearings, or new zoning restrictions while evaluating long-term regulations, similarly to Reno and Boulder City. These efforts reflect a shift toward balancing economic development with community input, resource management, and local policies.

What’s next for Nevada? As Nevada’s data center market continues to expand and become more competitive, clear, statewide guidelines and legislation may be needed to ensure that growth aligns with long-term public interests.

The Nevada Legislative session begins in February 2027. Will lawmakers take on this issue?

Paddlers enjoy the cool Colorado River, along the Black Canyon Water Trail, south of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. (David Fulmer/CC BY 2.0)

By Aleza Freeman

The Silver State may be the country’s driest state, but beginner kayakers and canoeists, have no fear; there are plenty of lakes and rivers in Nevada suited for novice paddlers.

Whether polishing your paddling skills in a year-round whitewater park or launching from the foot of an iconic dam, kayaking and canoeing in Nevada is worth the hype. Just be sure to stick to calm, slow-moving water, familiarize yourself with paddle sports safety, wear a lifejacket, and never go alone. Also, don’t forget to keep away from Nevada’s mythical underwater creatures.

As a bonus, many of the Nevada bodies of water mentioned offer guided tours, a great way for beginners to get their sea legs.

Gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford, attorney general of Nevada, poses for photos with attendees during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

By Lizzie Ramirez

In preparation to face off against Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford released his “Workers First Agenda,” pledging to implement guardrails for corporations buying homes, address AI price-gouging practices, cancel medical debt for low-income Nevadans, and cap the cost of some prescription drugs. 

Much of what Ford outlines are priority bills led by Democratic lawmakers that Lombardo vetoed during the 2025 legislative session. 

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, told The Nevadan that high prices, coupled with reduced hours and layoffs across the state, are hurting the workforce.

“Any economic plan is better than Lombardo’s economic plan. And what we really need is someone [who] will stand up to Trump,” Pappageorge said in an interview. “These dumb tariffs, these dumb wars, and this dumb anti-tourism agenda coming out of Republicans, and Lombardo is not fighting for us.”


🟣 How might the sale of Caesars and MGM affect Las Vegas and its visitors? KNPR

“A couple of bombshells landed on the gaming industry in the past month. First, Caesars Entertainment said it would be bought by billionaire Tillman Fertitta for $17.6 billion, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. Then, People Incorporated made an $18 billion offer to buy MGM Resorts.”

🟣 Following U.S. Supreme Court decision, Lombardo renews call for state ban on trans athletes. Nevada Current

“Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo in a social media post Tuesday said the court decision ‘provides important legal clarity and affirms that states have the authority to protect fair competition in girls’ sports.’ The first-term Republican governor called on the Democratic-controlled Nevada State Legislature to address the issue during the 2027 Legislative Session, saying they have the opportunity ‘to provide a permanent, common-sense solution.’”

🟣 An ‘orchestrated dance’: Nevada moves bighorn sheep to help restore northern herd. Las Vegas Review-Journal

“Monday was the second day of an effort led by the Nevada Department of Wildlife to relocate 39 sheep in Valley of Fire State Park to the Tobin Range in Northern Nevada. Over the two days, crews captured the animals, assessed their health and prepared them for transport about 500 miles away.”

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jannelle Calderón with stories from Lizzie Ramirez and Aleza Freeman. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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