New Nevada Bill to Limit Residential Alternative Energy Step in Wrong Direction

Among the 933 bills being created by the new Nevada state legislature is a bill to handcuff residents from building or establishing alternative energy solutions for their personal homes. The bill being considered by the state will give municipalities increased ability to legislate and deny permits for solar or wind alternative energy projects.

The bill, AB122, sponsored by Assemblyman Pete Livermore, R-Carson City will allow local municipalities to create new rules pertaining to alternative energy projects, their location and their appearance. There are already laws on the books that give local government the ability to restrict alternative energy units.

The move by Livermore comes at a time when Nevada's two largest cities are pushing to become bastions in the alternative energy movement. Both cities are racing to be the first 100 percent sustainable cities in the United States.

Bloomberg Business Week quoted a man who just happened to live in Carson City, the same city as Livermore, who appeared at the Assembly hearing.

"Am I going to be able to enjoy my backyard," Carson City concerned resident Bob Grosulak inquired, "or will I have to live with a siren, a scream, a whomp-whomp, or a helicopter?"The battle of residential and localized alternative energy has been a hot button issue for home owners associations across the state for several years. In July, Henderson residents successfully rallied to defeat a proposed residential wind turbine in Henderson.

The Las Vegas Sun quoted City Councilwoman Debra March "Clearly, this council supports green energy solutions. I don't believe this is the right project in the right location."

As the alternative energy movement grows it will be critical for the technology to adapt to the special situations that will arise. The wind turbine proposed in Henderson was to be 45 feet tall. This type of alternative energy will not fly in an HOA.

The issue of solar panels is also a subject that can be adapted and installed to be less intrusive to neighborhoods. Nevada needs to build up the burgeoning alternative energy businesses in Nevada by helping them adapt to residential issues and help neighborhoods embrace alternative energy.

Instead of focusing on laws to curb one of Nevada's fastest growing business sectors, why not focus on passing laws that will give HOA's tax breaks for installing solar panels to power the pools and street lights? The Nevada state legislature should have one focus in 2011. Focus on growing Nevada's industry and vote down any bills that curb or regulate business.

sources:

www.lasvegassun.com

www.businessweek.com

www.lvrj.com