Here's the Thing

Yesterday (March 13) I went to a meeting at the Beatty Community Center held by BEC Environmental. BEC has been contracted by Nye County to ... in essence ... clear the way for alternative energy projects in rural Nye County. I for one THANK them for the attempt. They got the right parties there: Reps from BLM, Electric Companies, Division of Water Resources, officials of Nye County and even a state Assemblyman. Along with them were 3-4 companies who are interested in projects in Nevada and were at various stages in the process. There were even a few individuals who were with investment interests

BUT it became clear VERY early that the people who REALLY needed to be there were not there and would not be at a meeting like this. This was a meeting of people who really want to change things and get alternative energy going in Nevada.

First, let me say the PRONevada position on Alternative Energy in Nevada. PRONevada believes that there is no REAL reason why Nevada cannot be energy self sufficient and even energy positive by 2020. In other words: we have the natural resources in rural Nevada to support the energy needs of the glitz of Las Vegas and Reno AND send some down the line to CA or other states at the same time.

Here is what it will take. Here is what was missing at the BEC meeting yesterday.
- Reid, Ensign, Berkley, Porter, and Heller because the fact is: it will take an ACT OF CONGRESS to get federal land "disposed" in rural Nevada. 97% of Nye County is owned by the feds.
- US Fish and Wildlife, US Forestry Service, Sierra Club, and any other Environmental Group that is waiting in the wings to protest on behalf of the Amargosa Turtle, Devil's Hole Pupfish, and the Las Vegas Cockroach. Our above political leaders should say, "Okay Environmental groups, we agree that it is important for you to protect these species so we will agree to protect 10 acres of Nevada wilderness for every 1 acre of Alternative Energy land use if you drop any and all protests on that one acre.
- PUC Executives, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Executives, and even Valley Electric Executives. (Although Valley Electric did sent a low level engineer) THESE are the people who need to change the "culture" of the Power companies in Nevada. Change a culture that says "We're sticking to what we know and what we are good at and will, if forced, pay some lip service to Alternative Energy" There current mandate is to become 20% Alternative Energy by 2020 but right now they say they are "trying but there are not cost effective projects out there and we don't want to drive up the price to our consumer." I know for a FACT that they have stalled and rejected Alternative Energy Projects that would provide power to their grid for LESS THAN what they purchase it on the open market for. If you want more proof of their reluctance just talk to the executives of Solar One who took over SEVEN YEARS to get their project going and Nevada Power STILL says it is not working.

Here's the thing. BEC, you made a great attempt and the companies and individuals at the meeting will continue to fight the uphill fight but until we smash down these walls: BLM land disposal, Environmental protests, and Power Company gerrymandering; we will only get a trickle of Alternative Energy in Nevada and that is definitely NOT PRONevada.
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