LAS VEGAS (AP) — Several government and business leaders say Nevada renewable energy projects have a bright future with the federal government tightening pollution controls for greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants.
Nevada doesn't rely much on coal for electricity, and officials at a sun-drenched event beneath solar panels at Las Vegas City Hall said Monday they think new Environmental Protection Agency rules could boost the business of converting sun, wind and geothermal energy to electricity.
Jennifer Taylor, of the nonpartisan Clean Energy Project, says Nevada's climate, location and the success of existing projects involving companies like First Solar and Enel Green Power could attract more investment.
Officials note that utility company NV Energy is due to shut down the last aging coal-fired power plant in southern Nevada, near Las Vegas, in 2017.