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Senator’s bill perfect opportunity for push on alternative energy
Fri, Jan 1, 2010 (3 a.m.)
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., has introduced legislation that would limit development of renewable energy projects in California’s Mojave Desert, and that has some energy companies looking elsewhere.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Tessera Solar, a Houston company, scrapped its plans to develop 5,000 acres because of Feinstein’s bill.
As well, BrightSource, a California solar developer, dropped a plan to build in an area of the Mojave that the legislation would protect. The company is developing projects elsewhere in the desert, but John Woolard, CEO of BrightSource, said Feinstein “got quite upset” when she learned of development plans on some federal land in the Mojave. Woolard warned that the legislation “would push solar farms out of the state.”
Nevada should be the natural choice for renewable energy companies, but the state is in a fiercely competitive race for renewable energy with other Western states. Nevada has abundant renewable energy — solar, wind and geothermal. It also has a good foundation of support, with research and education at UNLV and solar installations in Boulder City and at Nellis Air Force Base. There is also a plant planned near Tonopah that will provide NV Energy with power.
However, the state has been slow to position itself to attract the renewable energy industry. State leaders need to make this a priority before Nevada loses out on the opportunity to attract a new industry.
Discussion: 2 comments so far…
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Nevada has already benefited from California's actions. The capacity of the California BrightSource project mentioned was moved to the Coyote Springs project, which is now 960MWs.
Typical Feinstein. A few years back, energy rates skyrocketed after similar actions and the closure of a nuclear plant that still had useful life. P.G.&E. went bankrupt. Many electric generation plants were stalled (one of the many reasons we recalled the governor). Like Nevada, California has no worthy representation in the senate. Oh, did I mention that Feinstein and her husband are extremely wealthy? Nothing wrong with wealth, but she paints herself as one of the "average" working folks. Adios more jobs. Our utility rates are still climbing. Thanks a lot Feinstein. I'll be voting against you. You can't have it both ways.
For the record, If you rent those Smarte Carts at the airport for your luggage, the money goes to Feinstein. I'll carry my bags, no matter how heavy, I suggest we all do the same.