— By Chip Evans, Candidate for U.S. Representative to Congress representing NV-CD2
The time is now for climate change deniers to follow or get out of the way.
As a state, Nevada must fully embrace the ongoing national movement towards clean, sustainable, renewable energy and start a rapid transition away from fossil fuel energy to a job-creating green economy.
So what are some smart things to do?
Step one: Focus on job creation first.
From my days as the founding director of the Cleantech Open in Nevada, I am aware of many technologies that are market-ready or in development to make, store and discharge energy sourced from a multitude of sources. Each of these technologies creates a clear opportunity to create good-paying green jobs. Our Northern Nevada unions already have extensive training programs underway or at the ready to get workers up to speed and job-ready in a short period.
Step two: Facilitate growth of our newly-arriving technology companies.
We must invest in and develop a high-speed data highway to all corners of Nevada. This data highway would make our existing businesses more competitive and help Northern Nevada attract new businesses. It would also help repopulate the downtowns of our rural communities.
Creating this rapid data highway will require a public/private partnership. The private sector alone cannot handle the upfront expense for a still-small customer base.
We have compelling examples of successful public/private partnerships with the development and construction of the national highway system back in the ’50s and the national electric grid even earlier than that.
Step three: Remove roadblocks and monopolies to open up energy-choice/independence.
Another key ingredient of progress will be untethering consumers from current independent energy-related constraints and a return to both accommodation and incentives to lessen reliance on grid-provided power.
Removing energy monopolies would result in greater competition, leading to good-paying jobs. It also has the added benefit of lessening the need for large coal-fired or nuclear power plants – a great outcome for our environment and the people of Nevada.
This November, we must consider the cost of our votes. We must consider whether or not it’s worth it to elect anyone who represents climate deniers and the status quo, or someone with new energy, fresh ideas and is willing to shake things up.
It’s time we accept the facts: Climate change is here. Climate change is real. Combating climate change, now, will be good for our economy.
Whether it’s in Nevada or any other state, we need to work together to get stuff done and create more green energy platforms, and move away from our dependence on fossil fuels.
Our planet, our humanity and our economy depend on our collective actions.