Nevada AG Ford Unveils Energy Plan, Blames Trump for High Gas Prices

Ford's policies aim to lower costs, boost renewable energy, and create union jobs as energy costs emerge as a key election issue.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A vibrant, fractured painting depicting a Nevada state flag waving in the wind, with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of color, conceptually representing the dynamic energy policy debate in the state's gubernatorial race.Ford's energy plan aims to boost renewable projects and union jobs, in contrast with Lombardo's close ties to Trump's fossil fuel agenda.Las Vegas Today

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, the Democratic candidate for governor, has released his energy policy platform, which focuses on lowering costs for consumers, increasing renewable energy, and creating union jobs in the industry. Ford has blamed former President Donald Trump's policies toward Iran as a key driver of high gas prices in the state, a claim disputed by his Republican opponent, Gov. Joe Lombardo.

Why it matters

Energy costs have emerged as a major issue in the upcoming Nevada gubernatorial election, with both candidates offering competing visions on how to address rising gas prices, NV Energy's proposed peak demand charge, and the state's energy future. Ford's policy proposals aim to position him as a champion for consumers and workers, while Lombardo has aligned himself with Trump's energy agenda.

The details

Ford's energy plan includes suing to block NV Energy's peak demand charge, speeding up renewable energy projects, supporting residential solar, and requiring data centers to pay for their energy usage and grid modernization. He also pledges to back project labor agreements and community benefit agreements to ensure energy projects hire union labor and pay fair wages. In contrast, Lombardo has blamed California policies and the Biden administration for high gas prices, while Ford argues Trump's actions against Iran are the root cause.

  • Ford released his energy policy platform on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • Gas prices in Nevada topped $5.20 per gallon in the week prior to Ford's announcement.

The players

Aaron Ford

The Democratic candidate for Nevada governor and current state Attorney General, who has unveiled an energy policy platform focused on lowering costs, boosting renewable energy, and creating union jobs.

Joe Lombardo

The Republican incumbent governor of Nevada, who has blamed California policies and the Biden administration for high gas prices in the state.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose policies toward Iran, according to Ford, are a key driver of high gas prices in Nevada.

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What’s next

The Nevada gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2026, with the general election to follow in November. Ford will face off against Democratic opponent Alexis Hill before advancing to the general election against Lombardo.

The takeaway

The battle over energy policy has emerged as a key fault line in the Nevada governor's race, with Ford positioning himself as a champion for consumers and workers, while Lombardo aligns himself with Trump's energy agenda. The outcome could have significant implications for the state's energy future and the pocketbooks of Nevada residents.