Las Vegas NowEnergy Summit Will Draw Political Heavy-Hitters

Energy Summit Will Draw Political Heavy-Hitters

A major energy summit is being held at the Cox Pavilion. It marks the first time in Las Vegas this many scientists, policy experts, national elected officials and the public have come together to talk about renewable energy.

Nevada has an abundant source of renewable energy and is already a national leader. The summit is designed to develop specific recommendations for the nation to end our reliance of foreign oil.

Steve Rypka knows what it means to use renewable energy. His house is a monument to environmentally friendly power. Solar panels mean Nevada Power actually pays him every month.

Solar lights in the ceiling mean lamps stay dark during the day. He even recycles his own garbage in a compost pile that helps produce some of his own vegetables.

"There is no question in my mind that this is the future and we will make this transition," he said.

Rypka will be attending the Clean Energy Summit, "I think the future of our civilization is at stake. This is a really important step in addressing these issues."

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign both agree.

"I envision a future where we are no longer being held captive by these tyrants in these oil rich countries. We have got to stop sending our wealth to these countries," said Senator Reid.

It's one of the few issues where Nevada's Democratic and Republican Senators see eye to eye.

"First of all, fossil fuels are not going to be around forever. We need to take care of the environment better by bringing more renewable energy to the market place," said Senator Ensign.

They are talking about solar power, wind power and geothermal energy, all of which will be highlighted at the summit and can be found in Nevada.

"What we want to take from this is a bipartisan message to the national convention in Minneapolis for the Republicans and the Democratic National Convention in Denver, that our country must remain competitive," said Senator Reid.

Rypka says support from both sides of the political isle will make a huge difference, "10 years is not an unachievable goal to be 100-percent renewable in this country."

The nation's foremost experts on renewable energy are at the summit. President Bill Clinton kicks it off with a speech to inspire the crowd.

You can watch live coverage of the summit starting at 5 p.m. on Monday on Las Vegas ONE, Channel 19. The summit will also be live streamed on LasVegasNOW.com.