Overhauling our Nation’s Energy Policy
Our country is too dependent on oil and fossil fuels, which pollute our air, place our economy and national security at risk, and contribute to global warming.  As the Senate Majority Leader, I have set our nation’s energy policy on a path towards a dramatic overhaul.  On December 13, 2007, the Senate passed a landmark Energy Bill (H.R. 6) that creates new fuel economy standards for the first time in 30 years.  It also establishes an aggressive renewable fuel standard that will help make our country self-reliant on American-grown biofuels.  These measures will save Nevadans over $170 million each year, create jobs, and help protect our economy from oil price shocks.

The 2007 Energy Bill is only the first step towards a new clean energy policy.  America has an opportunity to tap our innovative spirit and finally make clean renewable power, energy efficiency, and renewable fuels pillars of our energy policy.

Supporting Renewable Energy in Nevada and Across America
Nevada has the potential to be the nation’s renewable energy epicenter. Southern Nevada’s clear sunny days make it one of the best locations for solar energy in the world, and northern Nevada holds the largest amount of untapped geothermal resources in the United States.  There are tremendous wind resources throughout the state.  

That is why I have consistently supported a national renewable electricity standard, as well as fair and stable federal tax incentives for development of clean energy resources, like geothermal, solar, and wind.  I have worked hard to add geothermal energy to the list of renewable energy projects eligible for the renewable energy production tax credit and loan guarantees.  I also worked to extend the production tax credit through the end of 2008.

I believe that Congress needs to provide a long-term extension of the renewable energy production and investment tax credits to help ensure long-term growth in our burgeoning renewable energy sector.  While the Senate was one vote away from extending these important incentives on the 2007 Energy Bill, I will not stop my efforts to deliver the necessary financial resources for renewable energy production to thrive.

Accessing Our State’s Renewable Energy Resources
An important step towards making Nevada a renewable energy leader is accurately identifying all of our solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass potential.  We know that our State has immense clean energy resources; however, with the federal government owning 86 percent of Nevada’s land, exploration and use of renewable energy resources can be challenging.  For this reason, I invited Senator John Ensign and state leaders to join me in convening a meeting with Federal agency heads and military representatives to discuss expediting renewable energy development.  At that meeting, we agreed to work together in creating a set of interactive maps of Nevada’s developable renewable energy resources.  You can view these maps online at http://www.unr.edu/geothermal//renewables.htm.

In December, I was joined by other members of Nevada’s congressional delegation in a meeting with U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne to discuss expediting the military’s review of wind power projects that are near Air Force bases.  At that meeting, Secretary Wynne recognized that wind power is an important renewable energy resource for Nevada, and agreed to work with me, the State, and other stakeholders to ensure that wind power projects in Nevada can be quickly reviewed.

Delivering Renewable Power to Nevadans through Transmission
One of the largest impediments of increasing electricity generation from clean renewable sources is accessibility to transmission lines. That is why I have introduced legislation – the Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Act (CREEDA) – to provide additional financing options for building new transmission lines and interconnections to areas rich with renewable energy resources.  By designating renewable energy zones, where natural clean resources could generate at least 1,000 megawatts of power, my bill would establish a framework for developing new renewable energy – dedicated transmission.   

By promoting increased transmission access for renewable energy, encourage greater cooperation between parties, and break down the obstacles that hamper intrastate and interstate transmission while preserving the scenic vistas, natural resources and quality of life in Nevada and the West.  I am also continuing to work with interested parties throughout Nevada to ensure that  all Nevadans have modern and adequate transmission access throughout every corner of the state.

Efficiency and Conservation
Efficiency and conservation measures are the most practical and cost efficient ways to reduce energy costs, cut global warming emissions, and protect our environment.  

Nevadans are paying record high prices for electricity, and could face additional rate hikes in the near future.  Energy efficient homes and buildings reduce the demand for electricity at the utility level and reduce the need for utilities, especially in southern Nevada, to buy expensive out-of-state power to meet peak power needs.  Energy efficiency and conservation are practical and cost effective – they have the potential to reduce entire U.S. energy demand by 14 to 19 percent by 2020 without costing a dime in the long run.  

The 2007 Energy Bill improves efficiency and reduces energy consumption through improved standards for federal and commercial buildings, as well as appliances and lighting.  Consumer appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators and freezers will now use less electricity and reduce energy costs.  New buildings will have to use less energy, following the federal government’s lead with a new zero net energy initiative for federal buildings.  

Opposing New Coal Plants in Nevada
Nevada’s renewable resources could make it the nation’s epicenter for clean energy.  There is no reason why our state should import millions of tons of coal to burn in out-dated power plants that spew pollutants that destroy people’s health, deplete water resources, reduce visibility in our parks and communities, and perpetuate global warming.  I will continue fighting proposals to waste Nevadans’ money on new coal plants with old inefficient combustion technologies.  We need to finally free Nevada from its dependence on fossil fuel and electricity imports.  

You can find more information about why coal power is not right for Nevada in the following reports:

• The Adverse Effects of Coal Power Plants on Water Resources 
• Decline in New Coal Power Plant Construction
• Job Growth from Investment in Renewable Energy
  

Links
Maps: Geothermal, Solar, Wind or Biomass
Energy Independence – Investing in a Secure Future
Nevada State Office of Energy
Nevada Renewable Energy and Conservation Task Force
Energy Information Administration: Nevada Profile
Nevada Energy Connection