Public Comment on PUCN Meeting Accessibility

Public Comment

Hello,

Thank you for allowing me to submit my written comment. Please see the following public comment for the Interim Government Affairs Committee Meeting.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by public entities. State departments and agencies, such as the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, are public entities under 42 U.S.C. § 12131(1)(B). Under 42 U.S.C. § 12132, a qualified individual with a disability may not be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in the services, programs, or activities of a public entity.

When a public meeting is difficult for able-bodied people with cars who do not use medical equipment or mobility devices to participate in, it is even more difficult for people with disabilities. Accessibility matters in energy-related forums because people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by heat crises and utility-related harm. Every Nevada citizen relies on electricity, cooling, and transportation, but those who rely on medical devices are especially affected. If meeting spaces and procedures are not accessible to Nevadans with disabilities, then how can they meaningfully participate in Nevada’s democratic processes?

What occurred at the last PUCN session involving NV Energy should not happen again. People with severe health conditions, including me, should not be placed outside in unsafe heat or forced into conditions where they may need to seek medical services. As a rare-disease self-advocate, I understand that inaccessibility is not only inconvenient; it is inconsiderate and disparaging to community members. I urge the PUCN to ensure that meetings have clear notice and remote comment options that do not place disabled and medically vulnerable residents at risk.

Respectfully,
Laya