Smart planning needed in energy development

Nancy Hall, Mesquite

Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

Thanks to the Las Vegas Sun for “The cost of building a solar powered economy,” by Alexandra Berzon, in last Sunday’s paper. Your reporter did a good job of actually going out to the Amargosa Valley, talking to people who live and work there, and conveying a balanced and full picture of that community as it grapples with impending solar development. Readers need this kind of context to really begin to evaluate and educate themselves about renewable energy development and how it will affect communities throughout our state.

The article also made it clear for me that we need to get out in front of these development projects and be “smart from the start.” By this, I mean energy developers, conservationists and elected officials must plan concurrently. We must build solar developments in places with the best existing infrastructure, use the best technology for the area (that is, least water-intensive), and mitigate the development with financial resources and additional legislative designations, such as National Conservation Area and Wilderness, off-site to compensate for the loss.

We can reap the benefits of renewable energy development — revitalize our economy, improve national security and combat climate change — without letting it result in a net loss for habitat and open space. It will take new thinking — and strong cooperation — on the parts of all players.

The writer is president of Friends of Gold Butte. The nonprofit group advocates for the preservation of natural and cultural resources in the Gold Butte area.