LAS VEGAS, March 13, 2026 – State leaders, environmental advocates, and community members gathered on Tuesday to celebrate three outstanding Nevadans for their dedication to the state’s environment in an awards ceremony held at the Neon Museum and hosted by EDF Action, the advocacy partner of Environmental Defense Fund.
U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03), Nevada Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Elaine Marzola, and longtime environmental advocate Linda Stout were recognized for their efforts to defend Nevada’s natural resources, combat rising energy costs, and protect Nevadans from environmental harm.
Rep. Lee received the Affordable and Clean Energy Champion Award from EDF Action’s Senior Director of Grassroots Engagement, Jeremy Pittman, for her leadership in Washington, D.C. Lee has worked to lower energy costs by securing funding for clean energy projects that have put Nevadans to work in good-paying, family sustaining jobs. With bipartisan support, Lee also recently secured $50 million in stranded federal funding for much-needed maintenance of the Hoover Dam.
“Here in Nevada, where the sun shines more than 300 days a year, clean energy isn’t just an environmental boon – it’s an economic imperative,” said Rep. Lee. “Bringing more clean energy like solar, wind and geothermal on the grid will lower costs for consumers and businesses alike and create good-paying jobs. I’m honored to be recognized by EDF Action as an Affordable and Clean Energy Champion. Higher energy costs impact all of us, and I’m working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to cut needless government red tape and increase access to cleaner, cheaper forms of energy to lower bills for families.”
Chair Marzola received the Emerging Leadership for a Changing Climate Award from EDF Action’s Associate Vice President, Regional Affairs, Kevin Moran, for her advocacy on environmental stewardship. Marzola maintains one of Nevada’s best environmental voting records, prioritizing sustainability and protection of our air, water, and public lands.
“This award is a milestone, but the true victory is what she will continue to do and achieve in the years to come,” said Assemblymember Duy Nguyen, who accepted the award on behalf of Chair Marzola. “We are ready to continue the fight and make sure Nevada remains a leader in the climate fight.”
Linda Stout earned the EDF Action Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by EDF Action Nevada Organizer Mark Peckham, for her years of service to the community and environmental advocacy. Stout spent years as an art teacher before being drawn to environmental work, donating her time to numerous organizations around the state engaged in the fight for clean water, clean air, and sustainable energy. She said while it took some time to find her voice, she has learned how to take the lead and mentor others so the movement can grow.
“I stayed scared in the background for the longest time, but I’m here now to show people how it’s done,” said Stout. “My hope for you is we can come together and fight against all the losses we’re facing. We’ve only got one environment. We’ve only got one planet.”
The evening closed with a commitment to collaboration that will help keep Nevada’s air, water, and desert ecosystems vital while keeping more money in Nevadans’ pocketbooks.
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Environmental Defense Action Fund (EDF Action) is the 501(c)(4) advocacy partner of the Environmental Defense Fund. EDF Action works to protect our environment and the health of American families by building political power for climate and environmental progress, holding polluters accountable, and electing environmental champions. Visit edfaction.org/ for more information.
Contact:
Mindy Pressman
(858) 442-2886