NEWS

Climate report released

07/30/2008

The Associated Press

CARSON CITY, Nev.-The Nevada Climate Change Advisory Committee has released the final version of a report that foresees a future Nevada with higher temperatures, less precipitation, more wildland fires and generally less desirable overall climate.
But the committee’s report, released Tuesday, didn’t recommend policy changes that now would reduce total greenhouse gas emissions-thought by some scientists as the main cause of global warning.

Instead the committee emphasized that greenhouse gas emissions have fallen on a "per capita" basis in Nevada since 1994 and the state should adopt a policy that sets targets that reduce the "intensity" of these emissions.

Under this scenario, new power generation facilities could be constructed as long as their emissions are less on a per unit basis than currently are released in the state.

Stephen Wiel, a former state Public Utilities Commission member and now part of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, said in a letter to Gov. Jim Gibbons that the report lacks statewide climate change goals.

Wiel said the report has some laudable goals but "we take serious offense with your total lack of commitment. You apparently are unwilling to spend the money it will take or to mobilize the government agencies, businesses and citizens of Nevada with a concerted effort."