IN AUGUST, I visited with Nevadans from every corner of the state and discussed my vision for Nevada to become the uncontested leader in renewable energy.

From Laughlin to Winnemucca, I heard the same thing; Nevadans believe in renewable energy and its enormous economic potential. They think that it can work for Nevada, and they think the time is now to vigorously pursue it. I couldn't agree with them more. That is why I have introduced legislation in the Senate that helps to promote renewable energy. It's called the Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Act, and it's a piece of legislation that will promote renewable energy through the building of transit lines that will carry clean, renewable energy to all corners of the state.

Renewable energy is already working for Nevada. A solar thermal plant in Boulder City is up and running at 64 megawatts and geothermal plants in and around Fallon are already producing hundreds of megawatt-hours of energy. But we could be doing so much more. Pahrump has superb solar resources; the desert north of Pioche has some of the best wind prospects in the nation, and the geothermal resources in Northern Nevada are some of the best in the world.

The development of these natural, clean, renewable resources will have a significant economic impact. More than 3,000 jobs could be created in rural Nevada as a result of new renewable power plant construction, and as Nevada begins to realize its full potential, thousands more could be created.

Not too long ago I took a very strong and public stand against the construction of new coal plants in Nevada. But I want to do more than just voice my opinion. I want to be part of the solution. The Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Act will help Nevada become the leader in renewable energy and energy independence. This legislation puts to rest the false assumption that the only way to finance transmission lines is through building dirty coal power plants. In fact, this bill is a method to finance these power lines.

A few weeks ago State Treasurer Kate Marshall, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, the Mesquite City Council and Mesquite Mayor Holecheck joined my efforts to halt construction of these coal plants. They recognize that when it comes to developing renewable energy, the time for lip service is over. They see that there is a better way to power our state, and it's not with polluting coal technology. By promoting clean renewable energy and greater energy efficiency, we can provide the power Nevadans need at reasonable rates and create thousands of good-paying jobs while looking out for the health and wellbeing of current and future Nevadans.

It's time to put Nevada's pioneer spirit and ingenuity to work. Together we can make Nevada the leader in renewable energy.