Reid cites reports that renewable energy could create jobs, investment

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Thursday cited reports indicating that the renewable energy industry could create thousands of jobs and millions of investment in Nevada, but an environmental advocate said the state could miss the opportunity for renewable energy development if it pursues coal-fired power projects.

"We have endless renewable energy sources that are being wasted everyday that we do not tap into them," Reid said in a statement.

"The sooner we invest in renewable energy, the sooner we can put more Nevadans to work, meet our state's energy demands and protect our air," Reid said.

Charles Benjamin, director of the Nevada office of Western Resource Advocates, agreed with Reid but said Nevada will miss the opportunity if it pursues coal-fired power plants, such as those being developed by Sierra Pacific Resources and two independent power companies.

"Nevada has possibly the greatest potential in the nation for renewable energy, developing solar, geothermal and even wind energy, which could create thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of investment from out of state.

If Nevada proceeds with development of the coal-fired power plants, Benjamin said, the state will be telling large investors that it is only interested in meeting the minimum required under the state's renewable energy law.

Reid cited several recent studies that showed potential for renewable energy development.

Benjamin said the renewable energy industry could diversify the Silver State's economy, which depends largely on casino gaming and gold mining, Benjamin said.

The state, however, needs to take steps to develop transmission lines that can be used to tap renewable energy at remote locations, Benjamin said, noting seven states have established transmission authority to help with export of energy.

Benjamin said large investors will back projects in other states if Nevada shows it's only interested in meeting minimum requirements for renewable energy and continues developing coal-fired projects. He based that opinion, in part, on a recent discussion with New York investment bank Goldman Sachs.

Contact reporter John G. Edwards at jedwards@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0420.