Invests in Solar, Wind and Geothermal; Limits Greenhouse Gas Pollution

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today (June 26, 2009) signaled her support for legislation that will increase renewable power, create new green jobs and strengthen America’s energy security.   The House is expected to pass The American Clean Energy and Security Act later this evening.     

“From new jobs to energy security to protecting the environment, our legislation will benefit families in Nevada and for the first time, take steps to reduce carbon emissions linked to climate change.  Solar, wind and geothermal energy can all be found in abundance in Nevada and this package will encourage the harnessing of these natural resources to supply a growing percentage of our energy needs.  That will bring growth in the renewable industry and new jobs to communities like Las Vegas.  Expanding clean energy production and use will also enable the U.S. to break free of our dependence on foreign sources of oil which has left families and businesses vulnerable to higher gas prices and which threatens our national security,” said Berkley.

Increasing America’s clean energy economy will create new jobs in Nevada and nationwide.  Studies show that investments in increased energy efficiency and other clean power provisions under The American Clean Energy and Security Act will create four times more jobs than investments in oil and gas.    

 “Unleashing investment in more renewable power will create millions of new jobs across America and will help spur Nevada’s efforts to become a leader in the use and development of solar and other clean energy technology,” Berkley said.  “And our bill will cut the use of oil and petroleum products by two million barrels a day by 2030 – an amount equal to what we currently import from the Persian Gulf.  So this is truly a package that is good for business, good for communities, good for our environment and good for national security.” 

The legislation also seeks to limit the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

 “The impacts of global climate change are already being seen in reduced water flows along the Colorado and other rivers vital to Nevada and our neighbors.  Unless we act, scientists tells us that droughts will continue to become more severe, leaving fewer water resources to meet the needs of our communities and threatening to permanently alter the future of Nevada’s unique desert ecosystem,” said Berkley.