August '10 Nevada Government—U.S. Senator Harry Reid Column

Reid: Transmission Line Will Lead To Economic Diversity, Energy Independence

Job-creating partnership between Tribe and utility is first of its kind

August 19, 2010 – Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today lauded an agreement between the Valley Electric Association and the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe to build a transmission line between Pahrump and the tribal reservation. At the signing ceremony, Reid spoke about how the transmission line will create green jobs in southern Nevada and help lead us to energy independence. The first-of-its-kind agreement alters the traditional role of Tribes and utilities from essentially a landlord/tenant relationship to a true long-term partnership, thus providing incentives to tribes and benefits to utilities and their customers. Below are Reid’s remarks as prepared:

“If we’re going to help our economy recover, we’re going to have to help Nevadans get back to work. And if we’re going to make Nevada a national leader once again, we’re going to have to lead the clean energy revolution that’s waiting for us to lead it.

“The agreement in principle we’re talking about today is a strong step toward both of these goals.

“It’s inspiring to see the Valley Electric Association and the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe join as partners. It’s a partnership unlike any we’ve seen before. It represents the root of what makes our state strong, it exemplifies our willingness to work together and it signals that our recovery is coming closer every day.

“For the people of Pahrump and all those across greater Las Vegas Valley, this transmission line means reliability – no more threats of brownouts or blackouts like those in the past.

“This line will open up new pathways for solar power to come to market. And where better to do that than here in the sun-drenched Amargosa Valley? But it doesn’t just mean energy security – it also means job security. Building this transmission line will create scores of new jobs, and a thousand more new jobs will follow once it’s up and running. Each of these new jobs will support a host of green energy efforts, like utility-scale solar projects that will soon start in the Amargosa and send their electricity into Las Vegas.

“Our recovery cannot happen without these jobs, and it cannot happen without investments in a robust, well-connected and reliable grid that reaches all the way through our vast renewable-rich landscape.

“This agreement provides one more crucial link in building that smart grid – that superhighway that will help us sell Nevada’s sunshine to markets hungry for our abundant clean energy.

“Improving our transmission grid is crucial to diversifying Nevada’s economy. And with projects like this, it is easy to see how we can become the leading clean-energy exporter to the region, and I hope to the entire nation.

“This isn’t a one-shot deal – it’s a long-term arrangement. That bodes well for future clean energy development on tribal lands. Electricity consumers and tribal members will both benefit from this line for a long time. And this partnership will set a new standard and cast a model for how other tribes in other parts of the country can help us meet the nation’s new energy needs.

“So this transmission line will revolutionize the way we bring clean energy to Nevadans, and it will bring Nevada to the fore of the nation’s clean energy revolution.

“When we look back and ask what it was that helped Nevada not only recover but prosper once again, I’m confident we’ll answer that this partnership was one of the most important building blocks.”

Reid Tours Construction Site Of USO Lounge At McCarran Airport

August 19, 2010 – Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today toured the construction site of the new USO Lounge at McCarran International Airport and joined in celebrating the “ground breaking,” where military members knocked down a wall to make way for the construction of the lounge. Reid was joined by: Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus; Congresswoman Shelly Berkley; Chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle, Wayne Newton; and, Air Force Colonel Kevin Fox of Nellis Air Force Base. Reid has worked with the USO for more than five years to bring the transit lounge to Las Vegas.

“In 2009, 250,000 servicemen and women traveled through McCarran Airport from one duty station to another. Prior to the construction of this USO Center, many military members and their families were without a suitable place to rest in between flights,” said Reid. “Having this lounge at McCarran will ensure our nation’s most honored members no longer have to sleep on terminal benches and chairs. Building this center is the least we can do to repay them for all that they do to protect our freedom.”

Reid Encourages Students To Commit To Their Education

Back to School Fair helps prepare students for the coming school year

August 14, 2010 – Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today spoke with students preparing for the upcoming school year at the 12th Annual Nevada Youth Alliance Back to School Fair. The fair provides a one-stop-shop for students to get school supplies, sports physicals, dental exams and immunizations. Teens also have access to workshops on work opportunities and higher education. Reid met with a student dance troupe, helped distribute school supplies and talked with students about the importance of education.

"As someone whose life was shaped by education, I know how important it is to ensure today's students have access to the resources they need to be successful in the classroom," Reid said. "I applaud the Nevada Youth Alliance for their efforts to support student achievement and will continue doing all I can to help Nevada's future leaders learn and grow."

"We are very excited to have Senator Reid's support at this year's event.” David Osman, President of the Nevada Youth Alliance, said “NYA and the Senator share a passion for education, and providing our community’s youth and families the services they need to succeed in today’s world.”