Reid welcomes Secretaries Chu and Salazar to Nevada

July 8, 2010

Las Vegas, NV—Nevada Senator Harry Reid, joined by Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, announced the creation of a Solar Demonstration Zone located at the Nevada Test Site as well as other lands administered by the federal government. The zone will be more than 25 square miles of the Nevada Test Site, an area larger than Manhattan. The two secretaries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate on land issues for the new zone which will be used to demonstrate and test new solar technologies.

“I am very pleased, but not surprised, that Nevada has been chosen as the site for this cutting-edge project,” said Reid. “Nevada stands to be the leader in solar power production and technology development, especially with this kind of positive support from our federal partners.  I am working on additional policies in the Senate to enhance Nevada's economy and create jobs through the production and export of clean renewable energy.  The Nevada Test Site can and should be a proving ground for new ideas and for attracting clean energy industries that will help our state and country compete globally.”   

“The Nevada Test Site is about to play a new role in securing America’s future – but instead of testing nuclear weapons, we will test new solar technologies that will help put America on a sustainable energy path,” said Secretary Chu.  “Working closely with the Department of Interior, and with the critical leadership of Senator Reid, we will demonstrate technologies that will lower the cost of solar energy, accelerate the pace of innovation, and help build a clean energy economy.”

 “President Obama is committed to developing our nation’s new energy frontier, including the promising area of advanced solar energy,” Secretary Salazar said. “Our Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees 23 million acres of Southwestern lands with solar potential, plays an important role in supporting the President’s renewable energy goals. These projects on BLM land in Nevada can significantly reduce the costs and environmental impacts of utility-scale solar power facilities and demonstrate the commercial viability of these facilities.  Thanks to Senator Reid’s leadership, Nevada is ready to jump-start these projects, put people to work, and create more clean power.”

The Department of Energy selected the Nevada Test Site out of 267 possible locations for its ideal terrain, excellent solar conditions and Nevada’s commitment to renewable energy. The U.S. Air Force, already host to the nation’s largest solar array at Nellis Air Force Base, will help to troubleshoot the new project. The site will serve as a model as other solar projects are proposed near military installations throughout the desert Southwest.The Test Site was selected with the cooperation of all federal, state, tribal and local stakeholders, including utilities.