Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020 | 2 a.m.
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In 2008, the Great Recession revealed troubling weaknesses in our tourist economy, and COVID-19 has tragically compounded those vulnerabilities. Nevada’s recovery measures must emphasize economic diversification and job creation.
Important changes are underway in our energy and transportation sectors. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada has approved 12 large-scale solar projects since 2018. Together, they represent thousands of jobs. I’m especially excited about the Mojave High School Solar Project, a first for the Expanded Solar Access Program.
Famous for our hot springs, Nevada is ramping up efforts to harness natural heat as reliable 24/7 geothermal energy. We have 19 geothermal energy plants, and are exploring potential sites in the Great Basin region. Installing power lines to deliver electricity statewide would be the largest transmission project in state history.
We’ll soon add “Lithium Valley” to Nevada’s map. Lithium is Nevada’s new silver, and we possess the nation’s only lithium mine. Expanding lithium production for use in electronics, solar, and electric vehicles means more jobs. We’ll employ Nevadans to modernize our transportation infrastructure and meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Diversification and job creation requires insightful private and public planning, fair policies, bold incentives, and training to facilitate successful employment shifts. Nevada’s energy and transportation sectors are essential to our economic recovery.
