Sandoval: No need for Tesla special session

CARSON CITY — Gov. Brian Sandoval said Tuesday that negotiations with Tesla to bring its Gigafactory to Northern Nevada are continuing, and as a result, there is no need to call a special session of the Legislature.

It would be premature to consider a special session anyway because there is no agreement in place that would require the approval of lawmakers, he said.

Sandoval also said that no one — not any Northern Nevada lawmakers or business leaders — have contacted him about the need for a special session to work on a deal with Tesla.

There is no deadline on negotiations between the state and the car maker to build a $5 billion battery factory in Nevada, he said.

Asked if the proposed margins tax on business to fund public education on the November ballot is a concern for the Tesla discussions, Sandoval said only: “I’m opposed to the margins tax. I think it is a concern for every business in this state. And potential business.”

Voters on Nov. 4 will decide whether to implement the tax on the state’s largest businesses to raise money for public education.

As to Nevada’s chances in the competition, Sandoval said: “I’m pleased that we’re in the situation that we’re in. We’re still under consideration. The discussions are ongoing. So that’s great for Nevada. But this is far from finished.”

Tesla has broken ground at an industrial site outside of Reno that potentially could become the factory that would create as many as 6,500 jobs.

But the company also continues to evaluate sites in other states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California.

The company expects to pick the site for the factory in the next few months.

Contact Capital Bureau reporter Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801.