The Associated Press - Nevada Gubernatorial Rivals Tout Renewable Energy At Hearing

April 29, 2006

Nevada Gubernatorial Rivals Tout Renewable Energy At Hearing

By MARTIN GRIFFITH
ASSOCIATED PRESS

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Rep. Jim Gibbons and state Senate Majority Leader Dina Titus stuck to the issues Saturday during a congressional field hearing on renewable energy.

But outside the hearing room, Gibbons, the Republican gubernatorial frontrunner, and Titus, a Democratic candidate for governor, were accused of playing politics on it.

Gibbons, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, heard testimony from government and industry officials on efforts to increase use of geothermal, solar, wind and biomass power.

"While increasing environmentally sound domestic production (of oil) is an important component, the development of non-traditional renewable resources is where the future lies," Gibbons said.

"I think Nevada can lead the nation in the development of alternative energy sources," he said.

Shortly before the hearing began, Pam duPre, executive director of the Washoe County Democratic Party, accused Gibbons of "jumping aboard the alternative energy bandwagon" only months before the election.

"Democrats have been out on front on this issue for a long time," duPre told reporters. "Gibbons hasn't demonstrated he's a good leader, especially on this issue. Why hasn't he addressed it before?"

Among other efforts, Gibbons said, he has authored legislation to promote development of geothermal energy, and pushed to add renewable energy requirements to last year's comprehensive overhaul of the nation's energy policy.

"I've been out front on this issue," he said. "It's unfortunate that they want to play political games when we need solutions to a real problem."

Gibbons and Titus were cordial toward each other at the 2-hour hearing at a Reno library.

"I appreciate your being here today and taking out time in your busy schedule for this," Gibbons told Titus, one of nine officials granted prior permission to testify.

Without mentioning Gibbons by name, Titus criticized the energy bill signed into law by President Bush. Among other questionable provisions, she said, the law provides billions of dollars in tax breaks to oil and gas companies, and failed to impose tougher fuel efficiency standards on automakers.

"What I want to emphasize today is how we can use parts of (the bill) to begin blazing a trail toward a new energy future - and how Nevada can play a major role in that quest," Titus said.

After the hearing, Gibbons said he has voted both for and against increased fuel efficiency standards.

"I have nothing against increasing CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) standards," Gibbons said, adding Michigan's congressional delegation is the real obstacle to them.

The tax breaks, Gibbons said, were partly designed to provide an incentive for companies to drill difficult, deep wells off the Gulf of Mexico.

The development of alternative energy sources is only one component of the nation's plan to deal with future energy needs, the congressman said.

Gibbons said he supports opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and certain offshore areas to drilling.

"I think it can be done in an environmentally friendly way," he said.

Titus said she sought to take part in the hearing to tout successful state legislation to promote alternative energy.

Among other bills, she sponsored legislation creating tax incentives for development of renewable energy and prohibiting local governments from restricting residential solar-powered systems.

"I'm not going to criticize my host," Titus said of Gibbons. "But I think the record shows he has not been a supporter of renewable energy ... A lot of people are getting religion all the sudden" on the issue.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2006/apr/29/042910607.html