Sisolak Explains His Anti-Pipeline Position. Opponent Laxalt On Both Sides of the Issue

“My fellow Nevadans.

Our state is on the brink of a water crisis and, as our communities continue to grow and thrive, this crisis will only worsen. But while a path forward may not be certain, one thing is clear — any policies we choose to move forward with must be statewide solutions, not ideas that benefit one locality over another.

It is my firm belief that while these studies and discussions regarding the pipeline can continue, the pipeline will not be an element of the final solution to Southern Nevada’s water needs. There are multiple options that we should pursue before we even consider spending that much money on a pipeline, including increased conservation and desalination projects.

End of remarks

Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who is Sisolak’s Republican opponent said he opposes the pipeline.

However, he sits on the SNWA board, and voted to continue their litigation against a project denial ruling by retiring Jason King, the Nevada State Water Engineer.

As attorney general, Laxalt is statutorily required to defend King, who has said that he plans to appeal parts of his own ruling on the project. Therefore, Laxalt if he continues as Attorney General will:

First, argue against his SNWA vote by defending King ruling, and;
Later argue in favor of King’s appeal of King’s own ruling. King’s appeal is actually a defense of his earlier justification to allow the pipeline.

Until he decided to run for Governor, Laxalt typically did not taken positions on issues that his office is involved within an official capacity.