PLAN calls on Nevada legislators to pass a joint resolution to remove the Net Proceeds on Minerals cap in Nevada’s constitution
LAS VEGAS, NV — For the second time in three days, the Nevada Legislature failed to tax the mining industry, a tax that could have helped fill a $1.2 billion dollar budget hole. Led by the minority caucus, and freshman Senator Kieth Pickard, an embarrassing display of gaslighting, time wasting, and at times, straight up lying, officially ended this opportunity for Nevada to hold the mining industry accountable.
“With bills in 2011, 2013, 2015 and a ballot initiative in 2014, PLAN has been leading the fight to tax the mines for a decade,” said Laura Martin, executive director of PLAN “The clearest example of the imbalance of power between corporations and the people of this state is the hard rock mining industry. Going back to 1864, the mining industry’s influence on our state–and politics–has protected their profits (and campaign contributions) while starving public services and the social safety net.
“We hope this debate over the last three days has made clear that the mining industry can no longer escape responsibility. But, AB4 isn’t the only way to tax the mining industry. Their lucrative deductions must be removed, and the Nevada legislature must pass a joint resolution during this special session, and again in 2021 so the voters of Nevada can have their final say in 2022 to remove from the constitution the cap on their taxes.
“The majority leadership in both houses have brought us to this point, but this bell will not be unrung. It is time we tax the mines.”
During the pandemic PLAN has engaged in “deep canvass” conversations with rural Nevadans who live near active mines. PLANistas from around the state have sent thousands of letters to Governor Sisolak, and members of the Nevada legislature. We have sent text blasts to nearly every legislative district to ask our leaders to engage in the special session, and demand a mining tax, as well as legislation to address policing and the repeal of SB242, and protections for vote by mail.