Energy efficiency from the ground up

By Heidi Plonski, Las Vegas

Friday, Feb. 7, 2014 | 2:01 a.m.

Homeowners in the Las Vegas Valley want to know that our investment in the community is stable.

To be stable for the long term, we are willing to make an effort toward efficient energy use. By keeping our homes efficient, we are doing our part to keep our own bills affordable.

But we want more than curly light bulbs.

We want homes that are built efficiently from the start. We will gladly weatherize and remodel the homes we have. We will limit energy use and purchase quality appliances. Yet this responsibility should also fall on builders who initially intend to profit in our community. Nevada has fallen to 33rd in the nation for efficiency programs, as reported by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

Our elected officials can help to insure energy-efficient buildings. Our elected officials can also encourage programs which provide incentive to weatherize homes.

This will be appreciated by those of us who are staying for a while.