September '07 Nevada Government—Governor Jim Gibbons Column

Governor Gibbons Appoints Pat Lundvall to Athletic Commission

GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS today [September 13, 2007] announced that Pat Lundvall has been appointed to serve on the state Athletic Commission.

Pat Lundvall received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Nebraska. She also taught at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation while she was completing her Master of Science degree in Physical Education. Ms. Lundvall went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, graduating Valedictorian, with Great Distinction, Order of the Coif.

"Pat Lundvall is highly respected among her peers, both personally and professionally," said Governor Gibbons. "Her extensive educational background and experience in civil litigation will be tremendous assets to our distinguished Athletic Commission and its renowned reputation."

Pat Lundvall is a partner in the firm of McDonald Carano Wilson LLP. In 2001 she was board certified in Civil Litigation by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and in March 2004 she was the first attorney in Nevada to be certified by the Nevada State Bar as a Civil Trial Advocacy Specialist. In 2005, and each year thereafter, she was selected by her peers for inclusion in "Best Lawyers in America" for Civil Litigation. In 2007, she was selected by her peers for inclusion in "Super Lawyers" for Civil Litigation.

"Given the quality of the Commissioners that have served the NSAC and this great State, I am honored to have been selected to join their ranks," said Pat Lundvall. "Given the quality of the appointments the Governor is making to other commissions serving Nevada, I am humbled by the honor."

Established by the Nevada State Legislature in 1941, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) serves to regulate all aspects of competitive boxing, mixed martial arts, karate boxers, seconds, ring officials, managers, and matchmakers. As a regulatory body, NSAC oversees the event venues, the collection of fees from the sale of tickets, and the sale of all media rights as they relate to radio, television, and motion pictures. The commission is also responsible for enforcing and implementing state laws governing unarmed combat.

Nevada has taken a leading role in competitive combat sports and, as a result, is regarded as the leading state athletic commission in the United States.

Statement on Sixth Anniversary of 9-11

GOVERNOR GIBBONS ISSUED the following statement regarding the sixth anniversary of September 11th:

"Six years ago, people around the world witnessed the most catastrophic attack on American soil since the invasion of Pearl Harbor. Those horrific and historic images remain with us, uniting us as a state and as a nation.

"On this Patriot Day, we remember those who lost their lives and the American heroes who selflessly sacrificed their safety to rescue strangers trapped in the wreckage of the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

"Recent news reminds us that our enemies continue to plot attacks against the American people and other innocents around the world. As we continue to combat dangerous terrorist organizations, I thank the many Nevadans serving in support of the Global War on Terror and recognize the many other individuals and nations who continue to make great sacrifices so that we may live in a freer and safer world."

Nevada-California Tahoe Basin Fire Commission Holds First Meeting

THE JOINT NEVADA-CALIFORNIA Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Commission convened for the first time today [September 10, 2007] at the Lake Tahoe Community College to conduct a comprehensive overview of forest management in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. The meeting began early this morning and adjourned just after 5:30 p.m. PDT.

"The aggressive schedule set during today's meeting is the first of many positive and necessary steps toward the creation of improved forest management policy in the Lake Tahoe Basin," said Governor Gibbons. "I want to thank the members of the commission for taking time out of their personal schedules to participate in these discussions. Their efforts, as well as the participation from local residents, will ultimately produce historic changes to the practices that currently dictate forest health and fuels management."

During today's meeting, the commission received testimony from local residents as well as the Tahoe Regional Planning Association. Following the testimony, the commission came together and formed two committee groups that will focus on forest fuels, and homeowner and community protection.

"We all share the same the goal, a healthy and vibrant Lake Tahoe Basin," Governor Gibbons added. "However, this goal can only be achieved through proven practices and sound science."

The second commission meeting is scheduled for September 21st. Committee meetings will also be held on the 21st prior to the commission's full meeting. A third commission meeting is scheduled for mid October.

Governor Gibbons Reappoints Rebecca Wagner to PUC

GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS today [September 7, 2007] announced that he is reappointing Commissioner Rebecca D. Wagner to the Public Utilities Commission (PUCN) of Nevada. The reappointment extends Wagner's term on the commission to the year 2011.

"Rebecca Wagner has a thorough understanding of Nevada's needs and a commitment to providing dependable utilities services to Nevadans," said Governor Gibbons. "She also shares my commitment to a balanced energy portfolio, including renewable energy and some new clean coal technology. She has been a strong advocate of Nevada consumers and I am pleased that she will continue to serve in this important capacity."

Wagner's career in energy began in 1997 in the geothermal energy industry. She was first appointed to the PUCN by Governor Kenny Guinn in 2006. As a commissioner, she has concentrated her efforts on renewable energy and its transmission across Nevada's vast expanses. She currently presides over numerous dockets dealing with the creation and implementation of new renewable energy programs within the state. Wagner serves as vice chair of the Western Interconnect Regional Advisory Body and is a member of the Governor's Renewable Energy Transmission Access Advisory Committee. She was presented a PVNow Solar Champion Award in 2006.

"Governor Gibbons has been a strong supporter of renewable energy for many years. In Congress, he championed the cause of geothermal power, and as Governor he continues his work to make renewable energy sources economically viable for development. I appreciate his commitment to ensuring that Nevada continues to lead the nation in clean energy resources," said Wagner.

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada is responsible for regulating electric, gas and water utilities as well as communications companies that operate within the state. Early this year, Governor Gibbons appointed Jo Ann Kelly PUCN chairman and appointed Sam Thompson commissioner.