Christians call for protecting solar

By Bill Thomson, New Jersey

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 | 2 a.m.

The Christian Coalition believes America needs to develop its own energy resources for the sake of national security, economic health and the protection of our God-given resources. We need to support homegrown energy that will not run out and that puts Americans to work while returning dollars to our economy.

Nowhere is this issue more at the forefront than in Nevada, home to 6,000 stable, local solar-industry jobs that support families. But NV Energy, Nevada’s largest utility, wants to keep us tied to traditional fuel sources and ever-increasing energy bills. The utility is waging an attack on solar by attempting to levy extreme fees on solar owners.

This isn’t fair and isn’t in line with free-market American values. We must allow homes, businesses, public organizations and churches to create local power by installing solar.

In the ongoing debate between NV Energy and rooftop solar advocates, it’s clear that what’s good for Nevada is not what’s good for NV Energy’s bottom line. What’s good for Nevada is the continued development of Nevada energy resources — and there’s nothing more plentiful than the sun. If Nevadans want to contribute to the state economy and our energy future by installing solar panels, the monopoly utility shouldn’t be allowed to stop them.

The Public Utilities Commission needs to look out for Nevada families and the future of the state rather than giving in to NV Energy.

If you agree, mail your comment to the PUC at 1150 E. William St., Carson City, NV 89706, and reference Docket 15-07041.

The writer is the national energy director for the Christian Coalition of America.