Green job plan moves forward

Nevada lawmakers advanced a plan Wednesday that would enable the state to use federal stimulus dollars to train a renewable energy workforce.

Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford's "green jobs" initiative was passed by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and now moves to the full Assembly. SB152 would allow for use of stimulus funds to train about 3,200 workers to perform weatherization, energy retrofit applications and energy audits, which could help consumers save money on their utility bills.

"As these new solar, geothermal and other types of plants come online, we have heard repeatedly from the industry that one of our weaknesses in helping establish this new industry is that we don't have a properly trained workforce," said Horsford, D-North Las Vegas. "We have an infusion of federal resources that if used efficiently could position us better than we are today."

Horsford said 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 energy industry.

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.

The committee adopted an amendment to SB152 sought by Assemblywoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas, that added additional accountability language on how contracts would be awarded.

The amendment says that before awarding contracts, state agencies must issue a formal request for proposal. Once awarded, those contracts must be submitted to the state Board of Examiners and a copy must be immediately transmitted to the Legislature.

Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, told Horsford that the amendment would ensure that his vision was carried out.

"I think it makes so much more sense to try to devise a strategic, long-lasting view of the stimulus money," Buckley said. "And with that stimulus oversight committee, with our other energy legislation that's pending, I think we've done a really good job to push renewable energy."

Initial projects would involve weatherization of about 6,500 homes and upgrades to government buildings and schools to make them more efficient. The bill also requires the state Public Works Board and state university-college regents to quickly begin weatherizing and using renewable energy in buildings.

"The Public Works Board is ready to take on the task," said Gus Nunez, manager of the board. "But unless there is a project that is funded, without dollars to accomplish this task, it's going to be difficult for us."

In other "green energy" action, the Assembly voted for SB188, which would encourage development of solar hot water heating systems through a demonstration project. Project participants could get rebates or portfolio energy credits from the state Public Utilities Commission.

Kirkpatrick's bill, AB522, which extends tax abatements for renewable energy companies but reins them in a bit to preserve funding for education, is awaiting final approval in the Senate. She and Horsford have worked with Gov. Jim Gibbons on a package of energy bills, and hope he will not veto them, since they no longer have enough time for a veto override before the end of the legislative session.

"I have heard that he will veto them," Buckley said. "But with Nevada being poised to be the renewable energy leader, I'm hopeful all the parties will work together."