Renewable Energy Policy Statement
By Jared Fisher
Currently, we as Nevadans have some of the country’s most abundant energy resources available right here in state, yet we purchase over 70% of our energy from out of state. We need to prioritize our in-state resources so we can increase consumer choice, strengthen our security by reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our economy by creating jobs and selling excess power, and boost our education and engineering programs with the new demand for technology that would bring more training and higher education opportunities to Nevada.
Renewable Energy Will Help Power Our Economy
I am proposing a renewable energy strategy because it is the best business opportunity for Nevada—and one Nevada has yet to take advantage of. As an entrepreneur who knows a good opportunity when he sees it, I believe that we cannot sit idle on this. We need to seize this opportunity.
Our beautiful state is blessed with the ideal weather and geographic resources for producing clean energy. The ample sunlight, for instance, would produce enough energy to power Nevada as well as provide an energy reserve that we could export to neighboring states and regions. Renewable energy presents a tremendous opportunity for economic growth in Nevada—It’s a great business investment, and solar is just one example of what Nevada has to offer.
Renewable Energy Will Create More Jobs
We need to facilitate a cooperative combination of private companies and public policies to generate the amount of energy needed to power our communities.
We are in the ideal position to promote cutting edge technologies and ground level development with the plentiful solar, wind and geothermal resources unique to Nevada. Nevada is one of the greatest states in the union. We know it. Let’s show it.
If we can realize our solar, wind and geothermal potential, we can generate clean energy and high-tech jobs while bolstering our revenues through energy sales and exports.
Why Import Energy from Out-Of-State When We Can Create It Ourselves?
We import too much of our energy from out-of-state sources that carry a heavy environmental burden. This 19th century energy generation is especially egregious when you consider the potential to generate clean power through the sunshine, winds, and geothermal resources that we have in abundance here in Nevada. Let’s ditch the dinosaurs of dead-end fossil fuels and invest in our own in-state assets. Together we can make Nevada a world leader in the burgeoning clean energy market.
By producing energy in Nevada, we’ll be able to employ thousands of new workers across the state.
I Have the Firsthand Experience Needed to Implement These Changes
I know that renewable energy makes economic sense because I have implemented two energy sources in my personal residence and in my businesses. At the headquarters of my tour business in Las Vegas, I earn credits from NV Energy because my business produces 3-10 percent more power than the utility supplies. I have already completed six solar projects—both commercial and residential—and three wind projects.
I believe in the abundant natural energy resources in Nevada and the abundant student and workforce supply. I would like to see our students and our children have a reason to stay in state for higher education and job opportunities that will diversify and strengthen our economy. Nevada has the potential to rely much less on out-of-state energy sources and create more jobs through the production of energy right here in our own state.
A Fisher Administration would make Nevada a world leader in renewable energy production, innovation and technology and a prominent US exporter of clean power.
