The greening of Nevada

Sunday, April 20, 2008 | 2:07 a.m.

We were delighted Thursday to read in the Reno Gazette-Journal that an effort is under way in Northern Nevada to make the area a world leader in the production of renewable energy.

The paper reported that Washoe County commissioners have endorsed a proposal to create an alliance not only to attract more renewable industries, but also to nurture environmental innovations and green businesses.

Members of the alliance would include the University of Nevada, the Desert Research Institute, local governments, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada and Sierra Pacific Resources and other area businesses.

Southern Nevada over the past few years has been attracting attention from solar power industries, and the potential for growth here in that field appears unlimited.

It is nice to see that Northern Nevada, already a world leader in producing power from geothermal plants, also has leaders who are determined to realize the region’s full potential for renewable energy production.

The area is a natural for wind power, and officials there are already seeking permits for a 150-megawatt wind farm north of Sparks. The idea of an alliance of businesses, government officials, utilities and educators to build on what is already under way is a good one.

The inclusion of Sierra Pacific Resources in the alliance is not as paradoxical as it sounds. While the electric power utility, parent company of Nevada Power, is applying for permits to build a coal-fired power plant in Ely, which we strongly oppose, it is also investing in renewable energy. By state law, it must draw 20 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2015.

What is needed now, in our view, is a blending of the renewable energy ambitions of Southern Nevada, Northern Nevada and Sierra Pacific Resources into one comprehensive state strategy. This would eliminate any unnecessary redundancies or competition.

Of course, this would require interest from Gov. Jim Gibbons. We wish he would end his fascination with coal and help speed the day when green defines Nevada as much as gaming.