Las Vegas Sun

Discussion: 3 comments so far...

1. By sunreader

   4/11/08 at 7:16 a.m.

   Suggest removal

   Hey this is great! Enviros don't want coal, they're going to petition new gas, the Nevada Association of Counties just passed a resolution to oppose wind farms on federal land within their respective county jurisdictions (http://www.nvnaco.org/resolutions.asp)..... next?

2. By sunreader

   4/11/08 at 11:54 p.m.

   Suggest removal

   There's an interesting statement in NCARE's petition: "Clean energy technologies do not generally have negative impacts on natural beauty or have negative environmental impacts on land and water resources and do not emit toxic air pollutants that harm the environment and public health."

   There are numerous solar project proposals in Nevada on something like 200,000 acres of federal land. How is that not a negative impact on natural beauty or land resources?? Solar thermal plants seem to all involve a heat transfer fluid of some sort, which has a high freezing temperature so a natural gas heater is typically required, which emits "toxic air pollutants". All solar thermal plants will require water for the fluid to boil into steam to run the generator. Some will want to use wet cooling. Solar plants use land and water resources, as much as we continue to try to deny it. What about the numerous wind turbines in the news recently that have either spun out of control or caught fire? Apparently when a turbine catches fire the best thing to do is to let it burn. Geothermal plants can have vents created nearby which spew ammonia, methane and hydrogen sulfide. Don't you love the smell of fresh eggs in the morning? Smells like.....clean energy technology.

3. By vegasgreen

   4/13/08 at 11:43 a.m.

   Suggest removal

   NCARE is a coalition of environmental groups who are trying to keep the local utility in check. They have been mentioned before in other stories and I believe that they actually said they support natural gas plants. That being said, I understand that the utility wants nothing more than for the public to stay out of their business and whenever groups like NCARE try to intervene they fight back with half truths and condescension.

   Last time I checked, our utility was promoting solar and geothermal, even though they currently do not own a single power project that does either. Seems disingenuous, doesn't it? I am tired of the "clean coal" lies as well. I applaud a group like NCARE for taking an active role in ensuring that our state's energy needs are met responsibly with our public health and pocketbooks in mind. Maybe Jon Ralston should have NCARE and NV Power on his show to clear the "air" on this.