PATRICIA L. FARLEY SENATOR Distt No 8 LEGISLATIVE BUILDING: Carson Cty, Need” 85701-4787 Otce: (75) 684-1485 or (75 e9-1400 Fax No. 075) 6846522 mak Pac Frlyoen state uss ‘wlan DISTRICT OFFICE: 1800 Vino Cover Cra, 12-59 as veges, News BOTS ne ee State of Nevada Senate March 27, 2017 Delivered via email and US Mail Honorable Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman 400 Stewart Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89101 RE: Senate Bill 315 - Waste and Recycling Franchise Agreement Mayor Goodman: Over the past several years, we, asa state, have worked hard on behalf of Nevadans to develop policy that enhances and promotes Nevada businesses, increases competition to the benefit of consumer choice and ensures government isn’t used to pick winners and losers. We've done this and are doing this, at all levels of government, for transportation, energy, communications and more. These policies have helped to position Nevada as a leading business-friendly state, stimulating entrepreneurialism and adding to the quality of life for Nevadans, However, even as these areas have been addressed, the state has failed to develop policy around the waste and recycling industry. It was with this in mind that Senator Denis and | introduced Senate Bill 315 (SB 315) to begin a comprehensive policy discussion around this critical and, at times, controversial industry. it’s been more than 25 years since the state has substantively looked at issues regarding landifil diversion, recycling and waste management issues. Because of this, in recent years, these issues have turned into controversial and highly volatile issues all over the state, oftentimes to the detriment of our constituents, the environment and Nevada-owned businesses. We are asking the Las Vegas City Council to hold off on taking any action on their current waste and recycling franchise agreement until we all can answer important policy questions over the next several weeks at the legislature. | am also inviting you to get involved in the legislative discussion and share your thoughts and input so we can begin to set a statewide waste and recycling policy direction for the state. Currently, Nevada is one of the most monopolized states in the country when it comes to waste and recycling. And, while franchise agreements play @ role in our community fabric, without a state-wide policy, they can have devastating impacts to existing business, stifle technology growth and progressand leave residents without recourse for dissatisfaction. Further, Nevada is extremely unique because ‘our two main franchisees ~ Republic Services in southern Nevada and Waste Management in northern Nevada ~ also own the major landfills. Without appropriate consideration and accountability, this allows for the opportunity to manipulate market conditions to the detriment of their competitors. Over the last several months, | have met with locally-owned businesses from around the state who have experienced significant adversity because of the current waste and recycling franchise agreements, the lack of oversight and the lack of competition in the market. SB 315 addresses these issues. SB 315 was carefully crafted to ensure it would not raise costs and only enhance service and it is sure to evolve as the discussion continues. This is why we respectfully ask for the City Council to delay its vote ‘and work with the State to craft comprehensive policy for moving forward. | am happy to discuss these issues with you at your earliest convenience. Please don’t hesitate to call me at 775 684-1445. Respectfully and appreciatively, > Dati he Mo Denis Patricia Farley SenatDistct2 Senator Dent 8 cc: Council Member Stavros S. Anthony Council Member Ricki Y. Barlow ‘Council Member Bob Beers Council Member Bob Coffin Council Member Steven D. Ross Council Member Lois Tarkanian