Burning Man Lights Up the Desert, But Not With Clean Energy

Burning Man Lights Up the Desert, But Not With Clean Energy

Burning Man, the annual festival known for its free-spirited and eco-conscious community, is currently facing criticism for its decision to sue the state of Nevada over a new clean energy law. The law, passed in 2019, requires large electricity users such as Burning Man to source at least 50 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The festival, held in the Nevada desert, has long touted its commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as recycling programs and efforts to minimize its environmental impact. However, the organizers of Burning Man argue that the clean energy law puts an undue burden on the festival and would significantly increase its operational costs.

This is not the first time Burning Man has been criticized for its energy usage. In previous years, the festival has been criticized for its heavy reliance on diesel generators, which produce large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.

While it’s true that the clean energy law would likely come with some added costs for Burning Man, it’s important to remember that fighting climate change and transitioning to clean energy is going to require sacrifices and changes from everyone, not just the government or big corporations, but also individual citizens and communities.

Nevada’s goal is to be 100 percent renewable by 2050, and this new law is a step in the right direction to reach that goal. By requiring large electricity users such as Burning Man to source a portion of their energy from renewable sources, it helps to create demand for clean energy and drive down costs.

It’s also worth noting that many other festivals and events have successfully incorporated renewable energy into their operations. For example, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California has been using solar power to offset its energy usage for over a decade.

As consumers and citizens, we must demand and support policies and projects that promote renewable energy and sustainable practices. It’s not just about Burning Man; it’s about the future of our planet. We can’t expect to solve climate change by continuing to use fossil fuels.

The Burning Man community is known for its progressive and eco-conscious values. It would be a shame if the festival were to become known for fighting against clean energy instead. We hope that the organizers of Burning Man reconsider their position on this issue and work to find a solution that allows them to continue to put on their special event while reducing their environmental impact.