Green jobs initiative questioned

Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford said Wednesday he welcomed any Assembly changes to improve his "green jobs" initiative which relies on federal stimulus dollars.

Horsford, D-North Las Vegas, commented as Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee members questioned him about his SB152, already approved in the Senate, which would allow for use of the stimulus funds to train about 3,200 workers and fund thousands of weatherization projects.

Assemblywoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas, said accountability and prioritization of projects are critical elements to ensure success of the proposed initiative.

"This is an ongoing process, so if you have some good suggestions or ideas to put in the bill I would definitely be open to those," Horsford replied.

Horsford says the purpose of the program is job creation and economic recovery, and workers who go through the training would have a good shot at careers in Nevada's emerging green job industry.

The initial projects would involve weatherization of about 6,500 homes and upgrades to government buildings and schools to make them more efficient. Horsford said it's important to move quickly in getting the federal funds.

The money would be used by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation and the state Housing Division, which would contract with qualified nonprofit groups to create or enhance job-training programs statewide.

Commerce and Labor members also reviewed SB114, an alternative energy bill that would ensure a homeowner association couldn't restrict a homeowner's right to install and use solar energy systems.