Act now on renewable energy

Adverse events of the past two years have exacted a heavy toll on the Silver State's economy. The most recent unemployment rate stands at 7.3 percent, the sixth highest among the states. Conditions will likely deteriorate further in the months ahead; a drawn-out recession remains a possibility.

Biting economic woes come as we face challenges from global warming and environmental degradation. Raising energy efficiency and finding alternative energy sources to replace heavy reliance on unpredictable foreign oil and polluting coal are tasks to challenge Nevadans.

Answering the challenge would leave a legacy for our grandchildren.

State and local resources are scarce in the current economic upheaval, growing scarcer each month, suggesting, perhaps, that we can do nothing but wait and endure. To do so, however, is to cower from our heritage.

Let me suggest that we pause and reflect on the darkest hour on the western European front in World War II. In the winter of 1944, as the Battle of Bulge raged and the outcome looked bleak, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower summoned his command and with his characteristic smile and matter-of-fact Midwestern approach, convinced his generals that the dire environment in which they found themselves was a window of opportunity. Today, we find ourselves beleaguered with rising unemployment, deflating home values, and shrinking 401(k)s, yet the darkest hour is also the time to gain focus. Focusing on renewable energy, seeding research and advancing knowledge, and pursuing enlightened public policy are a fruitful use of our time and efforts. Our economic difficulties offer us the chance to advance Nevada's renewable energy resources.

Both of this year's presidential candidates stressed the need for policy changes on energy and the environment. Changes they discussed included grappling with our dependence on unfriendly governments for oil, the need for prudent decisions in our nation's best interest, sustainable growth, and improved national defense with more readily available domestic sources. The incoming administration has energy policy on its immediate "to do" list. What are the residents and leaders of the Silver State to do?

Nevadans can contribute significantly to the national economy if we take advantage of the existing opportunity in renewable energy. We can be a forerunner in clean energy production and technology development because of our vast natural resources and strong congressional leadership. Our state is rich in solar power, geothermal energy and wind, and we have the capacity to expand production on all fronts and create good paying new jobs. There has never been a better time to invest in our state's future.

The next two years present a unique prospect to pass legislation at the state and federal levels. We need policies that encourage the creation and expansion of renewable energy industries in Nevada. This will provide jobs and raise revenue. The state of Nevada should increase incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency investments. Our universities need support to advance their research mission, improve sustainable economic-growth, and expand renewable energy development in the state.

Job opportunities linked to renewable energy cut across the work force. They include tradesmen, craftsmen, engineers and scientists. Workers will install solar panels and wind turbines, expand mass transit and renovate buildings. Engineers and scientists will develop smart electrical grids and formulate better bio-fuels. Renewable energy and higher energy efficiency are good for Nevada's economy.

Energy use and the economy are inescapably linked, and the steps we take now will not only create jobs for Nevada's workers, but will also impact the prosperity of future generations.

It is time to turn the challenges we face into new opportunities. We can do this by contacting our government leaders and supporting our congressional representatives as they take steps to develop effective energy policy and pass new legislation, in short, fulfilling our citizenship obligations. Public sentiment among U.S. voters supports renewable energy initiatives and clean, affordable solutions, and no other issue is as important and pressing for the economy and the environment. Action and prudent decisions are called for.

R. Keith Schwer (schwer@unlv.nevada.edu) is director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at UNLV.