Wind can work for Nevada

Nevada is considering action that would place it among the country’s clean energy leaders: It’s exploring a 50 percent renewable energy standard.

Renewable energy standards have proven track records of creating wide-ranging economic and environmental benefits — this would be a good deal for Nevada’s families and businesses. It would also give them more choice in where they get their power from, a rising concern for many consumers.

So far, much of Nevada’s clean energy debate has centered on solar. But it’s also important to recognize the ways wind energy can help Nevada achieve its clean energy goals.

Wind is an affordable, reliable energy source. Because wind’s costs have fallen by 67 percent since 2009, it’s the cheapest source of new electric-generating capacity in many parts of the U.S., and it’s cost-competitive in many more. And as costs fall, wind jobs rise. Over 105,000 Americans have wind jobs, and wind tech and solar installer are the country’s two fastest-growing jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Wind also works well with solar. As the sun goes down at night, wind speeds tend to be at their highest, providing the perfect clean energy complement.

Nevada already has one operating utility-scale wind farm, and more is under development. It’s also surrounded by neighboring states with strong wind resources, creating a robust regional market for wind and solar.

Tom Darin, Washington, D.C.