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Nevada

State statutes

Guidance AB 356 (2021) nonfunctional-turf prohibition + SNWA Water Smart Landscapes Rebate + Lombardo EO 2023-007
Enacted: 2021-06 Effective: 2027-01-01

Nevada's distinctive state-level posture on landscape equipment operates through water-supply restriction rather than emissions regulation. AB 356 (81st Legislative Session, June 2021) directed SNWA to develop a plan for removal of nonfunctional turf in the Las Vegas Valley and prohibits Colorado River water for approximately 4,000 acres of nonfunctional turf on non-single-family-residential properties beginning January 1, 2027. Defines "nonfunctional turf" as grass not used for sports, picnics, or recreation (streetscape, HOA-managed non-recreational turf, etc.). Single-family residential properties exempt. Creates the Nonfunctional Turf Removal Advisory Committee (NTRAC). Southern Nevada Water Authority's Water Smart Landscapes Rebate Program (operating continuously since 1999) provides $5/sq ft for turf-to-desert conversion (up to 10,000 sq ft residential; commercial/HOA/multi-family parallel). 250 million sq ft (~5,740 acres) removed since 1999; 203 billion gallons of water saved; 30 golf courses removed 900+ acres. Functions as de facto GLB transition subsidy — each square foot of turf removed eliminates maintenance demand. Governor Joe Lombardo's Executive Order 2023-007 (March 2023) outlined state energy policy on electrification plus continued natural gas use; Nevada exited the U.S. Climate Alliance in July 2023; Lombardo pulled offline predecessor Sisolak's EO 2019-22 climate framework. These combined policy layers shape Nevada's GLB regulatory pathway without naming lawn equipment — the state is becoming a less-grass state by water-policy force rather than regulating the equipment itself. No Nevada GLB/SORE bill has been filed in the 81st, 82nd, or 83rd Legislative Sessions (2021, 2023, 2025). AB 356's January 1, 2027 effective date is the key 2026–28 variable.

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