The piece from Assemblywoman Jill Dickman, Assemblyman Rich DeLong, and Assemblyman Ken Gray first ran in the Reno Gazette Jounal on October 24th and can be accessed here.
Nevada: A beacon of innovation
By Assemblywoman Jill Dickman, Assemblyman Rich DeLong, and Assemblyman Ken Gray
As legislative members representing Northern Nevada, we have seen firsthand how our great state has evolved beyond its historical roots in mining and gaming. Today, Nevada stands at the forefront of innovation, creating new opportunities that are driving high-paying jobs for Nevadans across our region and the state at large. Our recent visit to American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) reinforced just how far we’ve come and the bright future that lies ahead.
During our tour of ABTC, we were deeply impressed by their cutting-edge work in battery recycling and lithium-ion battery metals production. The company’s state-of-the-art facilities are dedicated to producing critical battery materials in a sustainable way, which not only supports Nevada’s growing clean energy sector but also enhances our role in the national and global supply chains for advanced technologies. This is a testament to the “Nevada Way” — through innovation and hard work, we are creating industries that lead the future while staying true to the core values that have always defined us.
ABTC's commitment to Nevada goes beyond their technical achievements. We were particularly struck by their focus on local workforce recruitment and development. They have built a strong partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), creating a pipeline of talent that ensures Nevadans are the primary beneficiaries of the jobs being created. Their workforce development program, in collaboration with UNR, not only provides hands-on training for the next generation of workers but also fosters a sustainable growth model for the state’s economy. It’s this type of collaboration between industry, education and government that we have worked tirelessly to support in the Legislature, and we will continue to champion such initiatives.
Nevada is not just about lithium — we are becoming a hub for the innovative technologies that surround and support it. Companies like ABTC are leading the way in battery recycling and looking towards primary critical mineral production, helping to position Nevada as a leader in the clean energy transition. These technologies extend far beyond mining, and they are expanding our state's economy in ways that create long-term stability for generations to come.
Governor Lombardo and his administration have recognized this potential and worked diligently to attract exciting new businesses like ABTC to Nevada. His leadership was on full display at the recent Lithium Summit, which brought together stakeholders from across the country to discuss how we can responsibly harness Nevada's natural resources while fostering sustainable development. The summit was a success, providing a platform for meaningful discussions on how to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship — all for the benefit of Nevada and beyond.
This educational tour, hosted by The Western Way, highlighted how Nevada's forward-thinking policies and partnerships have laid the foundation for growth in sectors that are essential for the future of our state. We were reminded that Nevada is more than just a place of natural beauty and resource wealth — it is a beacon of innovation, where businesses and local communities thrive together.
As we continue to work in the Legislature, we remain committed to fostering these types of collaborations and supporting policies that attract innovative companies to Nevada. Together, with the support of Gov. Lombardo and forward-thinking organizations like American Battery Technology Company, we are shaping a Nevada that goes beyond the past and into a prosperous and dynamic future.
This is the Nevada Way — and we are just getting started.
Jill Dickman represents District 31 in the Nevada Assembly. Rich DeLong represents District 26 in the Nevada Assembly. Ken Gray represents District 39 in the Nevada Assembly.