Las Vegas NowNevada Legislature advances 'green energy' bills
Associated Press - May 23, 2009 2:35 PM ET
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada lawmakers are rushing to pass renewable energy bills, as part of a mostly cooperative effort that has included Gov. Jim Gibbons.
Gibbons, who is pushing 1 of the measures, and the lawmakers who sponsored the other bills want to streamline the process of developing renewable energy in Nevada.
But knowing that there were some parts of their bills that the governor would not like, legislators have made sure their measures passed in time to override a potential veto.
The Assembly gave final legislative approval to SB358, which would create a Nevada energy commissioner who would help renewable energy companies set up shop in Nevada.
Another bill, AB522, states that while the governor would appoint the energy commissioner, the appointment must be approved by the Legislature. That's not supported by the governor.
AB522 also would strengthen the requirements to qualify for tax abatements, set to expire in June.
Gibbons' bill, SB395, requires that at least 25% of electricity sold to consumers by energy companies be from renewable sources by 2025 and requires car dealers to disclose the amount of carbon dioxide starting with 2012 models.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
