Reid working to diversify economy

Peter Pall, Henderson

Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 | 2:01 a.m.

Our state has 12 percent unemployment, which is the highest in the nation. To reduce this high unemployment, every major study recommends that we diversify our economy. Following these studies, many of our leaders talk about action, but few do anything.

Sen. Harry Reid is the exception to the rule because he is doing something about our high unemployment as he works (not talks) to diversify our economy by creating clean energy production (geothermal, solar and wind) which has already created more than 3,500 jobs and $248 million in state revenue. Meanwhile, powerful old industry interests and their lobbyists are attacking Reid’s plans by arguing that things are fine just as they are, while enjoying record profits.

We have an abundance of geothermal, solar and wind energy in Nevada. So let’s follow Reid’s leadership and try to quadruple our state’s clean energy production by the year 2020. This will employ an additional 10,000 Nevadans and generate $744 million more for our state’s coffers.