Honoring our church’s commitment through the social policy resolution, “Supporting ELCA Land Back Efforts and Indigenous Ministries,” join the ELCA for a webinar on September 24 at 4:00 PM PT exploring the work of land return.

Hear from Indigenous leaders, congregations, and synods engaged in land return and reconciliation efforts, and learn how communities across the ELCA are putting this commitment into action.

Register today.

Gov. Joe Lombardo has signed an executive order changing the rules for data centers seeking new state tax abatements in Nevada.

The order, effective immediately, establishes what the administration calls the “Nevada Standard for Responsible Data Center Development.” It does not stop data-center development or eliminate Nevada’s incentive program. Instead, it places new conditions on companies seeking future tax breaks.

SCHOOLS: Data centers seeking new abatements must pay the Local School Support Tax in full. The Nevada Independent reports that about $236 million in school-support taxes has previously been abated through the program.

ENERGY: Companies seeking incentives must commit to covering their electricity costs and not interfering with the public’s access to electricity during grid emergencies. The state is also being directed to plan for rapidly growing data-center power demand over the next decade.

WATER: Developers seeking tax breaks must agree to meet applicable water standards, bringing Nevada’s limited water resources more directly into the incentive process.

TAX BREAKS CONTINUE: Nevada is **curtailing—not eliminating—**its data-center incentive program. The state has approved an estimated $461 million in data-center tax abatements over the past 11 years.

THE IMPORTANT LIMIT: These new guardrails primarily apply to companies seeking new state tax abatements.They are not a comprehensive set of regulations governing every data center operating or proposed in Nevada.

For Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada, this rapidly developing issue sits at the intersection of creation care, education, economic justice, utility affordability and responsible stewardship of public resources.

As Nevada considers billions of dollars in new data-center investment, important public-policy questions remain:

Who pays for the infrastructure? How are residential ratepayers protected? How will Nevada safeguard its water? What should companies receiving public incentives contribute to our schools and communities? And which protections should ultimately be written into Nevada law?

LEAN will continue following these developments as Nevada prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session.

Seek Justice. Show Love.

Read More: KOLO 8 News (RENO), Nevada Current, and Nevada Independent

Child care is essential infrastructure for Nevada families.

As pandemic-era federal funding ended, the number of Nevada families receiving child care assistance fell from more than 15,000 in 2024 to about 5,700 today. Meanwhile, eligible families remain on waitlists, and Nevada’s income rules are now the most restrictive in the nation.

For too many parents, especially single parents, child care costs make work, school, and family stability harder—not easier.

This is not simply a private family challenge. It is an economic justice issue, a workforce issue, and a children’s well-being issue.

As Nevada prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session, we have an opportunity to invest in affordable, high-quality child care and the providers who make it possible.

Because every family deserves the chance to work, learn, and thrive.

Nevada’s public lands belong to all of us. From desert trails and mountain lakes to wildlife habitat and neighborhood parks, these places offer room to breathe, connect, and care for creation.

Here are five ways to enjoy them:

1. Take a hike– Explore a local trail, national forest, wildlife refuge, or BLM land. Start small—every outdoor adventure counts.
2. Pack a picnic – Bring family, friends, or a good book. Enjoy the view and leave the place as beautiful as you found it.
3. Watch wildlife from a respectful distance – Nevada is home to desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, wild horses, birds, and so much more. Observe—don’t disturb.
4. Learn the story of the land – Public lands carry deep Indigenous cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. Learn whose homelands you are visiting and listen to Indigenous voices.
5. Speak up to protect them – Our public lands need public care. Advocate for clean water, healthy wildlife habitat, access for future generations, and protection from privatization and unchecked industrial development.

Public lands are not just a backdrop for a weekend adventure. They are part of our shared inheritance.

How will you enjoy Nevada’s public lands this week? 

It begins when someone experiencing pain or bleeding can get through the doors of an emergency room, receive an accurate diagnosis, and obtain the care they need without dangerous delays.

ProPublica’s investigation found that deaths associated with ectopic pregnancies have nearly doubled nationally. Researchers are still determining why—but the findings should be a warning for policymakers everywhere.

Here in Nevada, protecting maternal health means more than protecting reproductive rights. It means ensuring communities have hospitals, trained health-care workers, emergency services, Medicaid coverage, and timely access to lifesaving care.

As Nevada prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session, we should be asking a basic question:

Can every Nevadan experiencing a pregnancy emergency get the care they need, when they need it?

Read the report from ProPublica.