CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - An initiative aimed at attracting large-scale renewable-energy industries and promoting small-scale projects such as rooftop solar systems in Nevada was outlined Wednesday by Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford.
Horsford, D-North Las Vegas, asked the Senate Energy, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee to amend his plan into SB358, a Gibbons administration bill aimed at reducing energy use in state buildings. The panel will discuss the proposal again next Tuesday.
Under Horsford's plan, a "Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Authority" would be created within the state Public Utilities Commission. The authority would be advised by two panels, one made up of state and local officials involved in energy issues and the other made up of representatives of the renewable industry, trade organizations and contractors.
Horsford said the new authority would help channel federal funds "to ensure Nevada meets its goal of establishing itself as the renewable energy capital of the West."
He added that his proposal calls for incentives such as tax breaks to encourage renewable energy development and policies aimed at developing a workforce of Nevadans trained to handle various renewable energy projects.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
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