LETTERS: Impeding Clean Power Plan will harm economy

The editorial about the Supreme Court and the Clean Power Plan claims the EPA’s new standards on carbon pollution from power plants amount to a top-down restructuring of the American energy sector (“Balance of power,” Feb. 22 Review-Journal). This description willfully ignores the rapid growth of clean energy in Nevada and elsewhere — growth that is driven not by regulatory fiat, but by private-sector industry and market forces.

The rapidly falling cost of renewable technology and increasing consumer demand for cleaner, safer energy alternatives is driving economic growth and protecting public health. Until December, the Nevada solar industry employed 8,800 people and supported more than 100 companies. We have the opportunity to lead the country and the world in geothermal energy by developing our significant natural resources. And expanding wind power in our state could save Nevada families a combined $435 billion on electricity bills through 2050.

The Supreme Court’s stay of the Clean Power Plan cannot reverse the electricity sector’s unstoppable shift away from its high-pollution, dirty-fueled past to a safer, clean-powered future. If Nevada’s leaders try to impede that transition, they risk losing out on the jobs and consumer cost savings that the Clean Power Plan will provide.

Vikki Pirttinen

Las Vegas

Trump criticism

I used to enjoy reading John L. Smith’s columns, regardless of whether I agreed with his opinion. But lately, all he seems to be focused on is criticizing Donald Trump or anyone who supports Mr. Trump (“Trump supporters just as thin-skinned,” Feb. 28 Review-Journal). Is it now a horrible thing to like a presidential candidate whom others don’t like?

I am a Trump supporter. I acknowledge his flaws, but as I look at the other candidates, I don’t see anyone who represents me better. I don’t want a career politician who says anything to get your vote, then only does what will line his pockets or get him re-elected. I think it’s time to try running this country like a business, and Mr. Trump can do that — most likely with success.

I’m tired of being criticized for my opinion by Mr. Smith, the know-it-all pundits and the Republican elite. I’ve made my choice. If you prefer someone else, vote for them. But quit bashing me and my chosen candidate.

Dianne Cannis

Henderson

Sentencing shortfall

In the last couple of weeks, I have read two stories related to driving under the influence. In one case, a driver left the scene of a fatal accident and was arrested several months later (“Man gets up to five years after fleeing fatal wreck,” Feb. 25 Review-Journal). At the time of the accident, it was believed the driver under the influence, but it couldn’t be proven. In this case, the judge gave him two to five years in prison.

In the next case, the driver was found hiding near the scene of the fatal crash and is looking at 40 years in prison (“Man gets 12 to 40 years in prison for a DUI crash that left two dead,” Friday RJ).

It sounds like the judges and prosecutors are telling intoxicated drivers to leave the scene of the accident and sober up. You will get a lighter sentence.

Ronnie Anderson

Las Vegas