Sandoval signs agreement to promote renewable resources in China

CARSON CITY — Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has signed an agreement with other governors and state officials in China to promote renewable resources and clean energy technologies.

"Nevada is considered a national leader in renewable development and innovation, and this accord provides us with the platform to introduce our advanced products to an international market," Sandoval said in a statement Thursday.

The Governors' Clean Energy and Economic Development Accord corresponds with the visit to the United State by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Other U.S. governors who signed include Jerry Brown of California; Jay Inslee, Washington; Terry Branstad, Iowa; Rick Snyder, Michigan; and Kate Brown, Oregon.

Sandoval on Thursday also announced he will be making a second trip to China next month on a trade mission, this time as president of the Council of State Governments. Representatives from Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, Kansas and Delaware also will attend. The group will travel to Xi'an, Nanjiang, Shanghai and Beijing.

Sandoval led a state trade mission to China in 2012 with the goal of increasing Nevada's exports and encouraging foreign investment. This mission will focus on environmental sciences and tech commercialization.

Steve Hill, director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, said the clean energy accord and upcoming trade mission further the state's objective to expand its reach into international markets.

"There is a tremendous potential in Nevada to not only develop our clean energy industry but also water innovation and advanced manufacturing," Hill said.

Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb