Editorial: Energy plan long overdue

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 | 7:01 a.m.

O ver the past three decades this country has become fully aware of the serious problems with fossil fuels, namely, that they are dirty and are being consumed at a rate that is not sustainable.

During the same period the dangers of nuclear power became obvious - there is no safe way to dispose of its deadly waste and the plants pose radiation risks to communities.

Given the immensity of the problems posed by traditional energy - negative environmental effects, increasing costs, dependence upon unfriendly countries - it is clear that the federal government should have long ago led a national push to develop nonnuclear renewable sources of energy.

National leaders, however, never rose to the occasion and are still taking little action in comparison to the scope of the problem.

So it is up to the states to show initiative, and hopefully they will do so before our economies are devastated by rising energy prices and before the quality of our waters, soil and air drops any further.

We would like to see Gov. Jim Gibbons announce a bold plan to establish Nevada as the nation's leader in the production of solar energy. Experts in this field have long identified the state, because of its land mass and abundant sun, as one of the most ideal places in the world for this purpose.

And there would be no reason to stop with solar energy. For example, Northern Nevada is known for its vast potential for geothermal - energy produced from underground water heated well past the boiling point by natural energy emanating from the Earth's core. This clean, renewable source of energy could account for a much greater percentage of our power.

With studies under way in other parts of the country to track the migratory routes of birds, to protect them from the blades of modern windmills, environmentally friendly wind energy should also be part of a long-range state plan.

Lacking such a plan from the governor, the 2007 Legislature should fill the void and pass a comprehensive energy bill, one that would not only provide more incentives for private companies to take advantage of the state's potential, but also one that would include a strategy for widely publicizing Nevada as an ideal state for renewable-energy entrepreneurs.

A model for private companies has already been established in Boulder City. Construction of Nevada Solar One, a plant owned by Solargenix Energy of North Carolina, is nearing completion. Helped along by $15 million worth of incentives provided by the Nevada Commission on Economic Development, the $100 million plant is expected to start producing enough energy this year to power 48,000 homes.

This plant is an example of how state policy can help bring about major change. In 1997 the Nevada Legislature passed a law requiring the state's big utility companies to provide 1 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2010. In 2001 the state upped the ante, requiring 15 percent of the power sold in the state to come from renewables by 2013. In 2005 the state raised the bar again, requiring that 20 percent of power sold to Nevadans come from renewables by 2015.

State and federal tax incentives inspired Solargenix to build here, and the legislative mandate on renewable sources inspired Nevada Power to contract with the company to buy its power.

What the state has done so far is to prove the relationship between public policy and the emergence of a renewables industry here. A new, comprehensive state plan could again increase the percentage of total power from renewables by 2020, and it could also address the infrastructure aspects of developing a renewable-energy industry worthy of capturing the world's attention.

For example, the sources of renewable energy are often in remote areas, where the wind is most consistent or the underground waters are the hottest. Roads are needed for these areas and transmission lines need to be built.

An aggressive renewable-energy plan would also outline ways for schools to develop their own power sources, and for individual homes to be affordably outfitted with rooftop solar panels. A year ago California announced a new surcharge on gas and electric bills, to create a fund that would provide rebates for homeowners who installed solar panels. Nevada could have success with a similar initiative.

Additionally, a state plan could provide rewards for drivers who switch to hybrid vehicles or vehicles that run on cleaner fuels, such as biodiesel or ethanol. This would help clean our air, so that people here could lead healthier lives and once again enjoy a clear view of our scenery. As part of a comprehensive energy plan, a long-term view of mass transit should also be committed to paper.

A major side benefit would also result from a new plan - jobs.

Speaking to the Nevada Development Authority in November 2005, former President Bill Clinton said, "If I were the economic development czar for America today, or if I were in charge of economic planning for Las Vegas and Nevada today, I would start by making a complete and total commitment to a clean energy future because I think you can create more jobs there than anywhere else."

In truth, Nevada has taken only baby steps in developing renewable energy. We believe the governor and the 2007 Legislature should put this state on a path toward achieving its true potential, which is literally nothing less than being a global powerhouse.