NV Energy Postpones Construction of Coal-Fired Power Plant in Nevada

WASHINGTON (February 9, 2009) – In response to increasing environmental and economic uncertainties, NV Energy announced today it is postponing the construction of a coal-fired power plant in eastern Nevada, according to a statement released by the company.

NV Energy still plans to build a 250-mile transmission line to link northern and southern Nevada upon approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN). The proposed transmission line will transport renewable energy from energy production facilities located in northern and southern Nevada to areas of the state where Nevadans can benefit from renewable energy sources. Following is a statement by Theo Spencer, Senior Advocate at the Climate Center of the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“This is a big day for the people of Nevada, who will benefit from clean air and economic opportunity through renewable energy. No coal-fired power plant in America has been more closely watched or harder fought than this one, thanks to Senator Harry Reid’s early opposition to the project and the millions spent by industry pushing dirty coal in Nevada. Like other developers who have canceled or delayed projects in recent months, NV Energy realizes that carbon pollution will soon be federally regulated, and new, dirty coal plants are a bad deal for our environment, our economy and our health.

“Nevadans will benefit from clean air and from the jobs created by investments in renewable energy. Stopping construction of this coal-fired power plant and expediting the construction of a renewable energy transmission line makes environmental and economic sense.”