Capitalizing on Nevada’s role as a renewable energy leader, Nevada’s Congressional Delegation announced legislation today (May 12, 2009) that could result in millions of dollars for state and local governments in Nevada and throughout the West.

 “Nevada is positioned for a green energy boom, which means clean energy and quality jobs,” said Senator John Ensign, who announced the plan during his address to the state legislature.  “Under this plan, it also means that states and localities will be compensated for federal land use.  This would translate into millions of dollars for Nevada.”

The Renewable Energy Permitting Act directs a portion of the federal rental revenue generated by green energy projects to the states and counties where they are located.  This legislation is modeled after the geothermal revenue-sharing program already in place and extends it to solar and wind resources.  Through the geothermal program, the state of Nevada receives about $10 million each year.  Churchill County received more than $700,000 in 2007 alone.

 “We need to improve and speed up the process of building renewable energy projects on federal lands in the West,” Senator Harry Reid said. “The clean energy economy is so important to Nevada, where thousands of jobs will be created as projects begin to come online. This legislation keeps more money in states and counties and takes responsible steps towards protecting open spaces where we’ll need to site some of these vital projects.”

 “It is no secret that Nevada has great potential for renewable energy production.  We have an abundance of geothermal, solar, and wind energy.  Streamlining the permitting process and encouraging more renewable energy development will help make Nevada a hub for clean energy.  I am pleased the Nevada delegation is joining Senator Ensign and me in this effort,” said Congressman Dean Heller.  

“Nevada’s federal lands can not only help supply clean energy to our nation, but as a result of this legislation, Silver State families will share in the revenues generated by solar and other renewable energy production in our state. This is a win-win that will promote America’s energy independence through greater use of renewable power resources, a move that will also help create jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to global climate change,” Congresswoman Shelley Berkley said.

 “Nevada has been blessed with an abundance of renewable energy resources and is at the forefront of a new green economy,” Congresswoman Dina Titus said.  “This legislation will ensure that state and local governments share in the benefits of clean energy produced on federal land.”

The rental income would be distributed as follows: 50 percent to states, 25 percent to counties, and 20 percent to a Renewable Energy Permit Processing Improvement Fund for permitting offices.  This fund is administered by the BLM to provide funding for local permitting offices in Nevada, Wyoming, Arizona and California.  To address concerns about those who may abandon renewable projects, the bill would establish a Solar Energy Land Reclamation, Restoration and Mitigation Fund and would dedicate 5 percent of the rental revenue to this fund.

Berkley Tells America: Pack Your Bags For Las Vegas

Congresswoman Does Part to Boost Importance of Nation’s 6^th Largest Industry in Tourism Week Floor Speech   

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today (May 14, 2009) urged Americans to help boost the nation’s tourism industry with a trip to Las Vegas or other vacation getaways.  In a speech on the House floor, Berkley stressed the importance of tourism to the nation’s economy, while also taking time to remind her colleagues and families across the U.S. about all that Las Vegas has to offer its visitors, including those attending conventions and conducting business meetings. 

Rep. Berkley Floor Statement - National Tourism Week 5.14.09

Below are Berkley’s remarks and a video of the Congresswoman’s speech can be viewed below:    

“This week is National Tourism Week.  Tourism is the 6th biggest industry in America.  As the Congresswoman from the entertainment and tourism capital of the world, fabulous Las Vegas, I want to encourage all my fellow citizens to enjoy the remarkable diversity of options the tourism industry provides.

Come to Las Vegas. Enjoy our great hotels, fabulous shows, superb restaurants, water sports, Grand Canyon tours, great shopping, and our other wholesome family entertainment.

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner. Make your reservations now. I promise you'll have slots of fun.”

Berkley Floor Speech Highlights Concern About U.S. Aid To Gaza

Congresswoman Says America Should Demand Recognition of Israel, Release of Gilad Shalit, End to Terrorist Attacks in Exchange for Continued Aid   

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today (May 14, 2009) spoke on the House floor regarding funding for the Gaza Strip included in a supplemental spending package now being debated.  In her remarks, Berkley called for funding to be given to Gaza only if Hamas renounces terrorism, recognizes Israel’s right to exist, honors cease-fire agreements, and releases captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.  The following are the Congresswoman’s comments:

 “I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bill, but deeply concerned with the funding to the Palestinian Authority and to rebuild Gaza.

 “By giving this money, I believe we are sending precisely the wrong message -- that Hamas can partner with Iran, attack Israel with impunity, and refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist, all the while the United States will provide aid, no matter what.  Talk about the soft bigotry of low expectations.

 “At the very least we should use our aid to help modify the behavior of Hamas, before we send more money to Gaza, more money to the Palestinian Authority.  All Palestinian factions should recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish State, renounce terrorism, respect past agreements, and release Gilad Shalit, the young Israeli soldier who was kidnapped by Hamas and who has been held captive in Gaza for almost three years.

 “Without these conditions, we are simply writing the Palestinians another blank check to continue their self-destructive and violent behavior.

 “So while I support the rule and the bill, I have serious reservations about funding this and urge my colleagues that we not continue this pattern of rewarding unacceptable behavior in the future.

I yield back the balance of my time.”

Reid, Berkley Introduce Legislation To Help Secure Benefits for Air America Veterans

Nevada Senator Harry Reid and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today introduced the Air America Veterans Act of 2009, legislation that will begin the process of providing Air America veterans with federal retirement benefits.  This legislation addresses the first step of that process, which is to authorize a study to determine who would be eligible for benefits and provide the data necessary to help fix the problem.  The study will provide information on Air America, its employees, the missions they performed, the casualties they suffered, and an assessment of the difference between those benefits and what they would receive if treated as employees of the United States.

 “Anyone who puts their life on the line in service of this country, as these Air America veterans did, deserves nothing less than what they earned,” Reid said.  “These brave Nevadans and Americans risked their lives by flying covert missions in areas such as Laos, Vietnam and Korea.  It’s unfair for the same government that asked them serve, to prevent them from being properly recognized for their sacrifice.”

 “The heroes of Air America risked their lives for our nation and we should fully honor their courage and recognize the critical role they played in U.S. military efforts in East Asia during the Cold War,” said Berkley.  “The study authorized by this legislation will lay the groundwork for us to finally recognize the sacrifices made by Air America employees, and their dedication to our nation, by extending federal benefits to these brave Americans.  The time is now for Congress to act on this issue and I am hopeful that we will see this legislation signed into law by President Obama.”

Air America was a company acquired by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1950 and flew missions for the CIA into the mid 1970’s.  For many years, former Air America employees have unsuccessfully sought to obtain federal retirement benefits for their service and are requesting assistance from Congress to get it done.