Nevada Governor Creates Nevada Military Solar Energy Task Force

March 19, 2009 -- Carson City - Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the formation of the Nevada Military Solar Energy Task Force. This is another step in support of Governor Gibbons’ efforts to encourage the creation of renewable energy generating facilities. The task force will seek ways to streamline and expedite private investment in large and small solar energy projects on Nevada Lands used by military.

“The focus of the task force will be to take action in hours, days and weeks, not months and years.” Gibbons said, “Positive working relationships break down the traditional roadblocks to solar projects between federal, state and local agencies. The task force will create renewable energy successes across commercial, educational, military and public entities.”

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Governor Gibbons appointed Chief Warrant Officer James Groth of the Nevada Army National Guard’s facilities and environmental office to chair the task force. "It is exciting for the Guard to be a key component in the State’s effort to move toward more renewable energy. Not only is this program a great fit for our State role, but also adds to the efforts being made to meet the Department of Defense policy to become more energy efficient. This is just the icing on the cake of several years of hard work by our dedicated Guard members,” said Major General Cynthia Kirkland, the Adjutant General of Nevada.

As part of the Department of Defense energy consumption policy, the Nevada Guard has been active in the promotion of renewable energy projects and is currently developing three solar energy sites in Carson City and Las Vegas. “Capitalizing on the state’s vast renewable energy potential and the job creation in these new technologies are vital to Nevada’s future.” Groth said.

The task force will focus specifically on generation site potential and rapid development. Officer Groth, will work closely with Dr. Hatice Gecol, the Governor’s Energy and Science Advisor and Director of State Energy Office The task force will promote and work with public and private entities to take advantage of opportunities for renewable energy public/private partnerships. "I am looking forward to working with Chief Warrant Officer James Groth and applaud his commitment to the development of the solar energy industry in Nevada. He will do an excellent job identifying potential sites and overcoming the challenges of government regulations that will lead to efficient and effective implementation of the Governor’s renewable energy policies. “Gecol said.

Other members of the task force will be announced in the near future.

Source: Nevada Governor