Nevada Requires Heat Mitigation Planning Under New Law
Assembly Bill 96 directs Clark and Washoe counties to add cooling spaces, water access, and shade strategies to local master plans by 2026 to combat extreme heat.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Aug 21, 2025
Nevada has enacted Assembly Bill 96, a law requiring the state’s largest counties to add heat mitigation strategies to their master plans as temperatures continue to rise.
The measure applies to Clark and Washoe counties and mandates planning for public cooling spaces, drinking water access, “cool building” practices, and shaded paved areas, with a preference for drought-tolerant tree cover.
The law, assigned Chapter 225, was signed on June 3 and takes effect July 1, 2026. Lawmakers said the goal is to help cities and neighborhoods — particularly underserved communities — withstand the growing impacts of extreme heat.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.