November 20, 2012

Washington, D.C.- Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement on the Los Angeles City Council’s unanimous decision today to approve a 25-year power purchase agreement with K Road Moapa Solar to provide up to 250 megawatts of solar power to homes in California. The K Road Moapa solar power installation will be located on the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians tribal land north of Las Vegas:

"I am pleased that the City of Los Angeles took action to secure a clean energy future by using affordable and predictably priced power from Nevada," said Reid. "By investing in a long-term relationship with a clean energy producer Los Angeles will be able to provide clean power to more than 118,000 homes. This public-private-tribal partnership is a powerful example about the benefits clean energy can bring to Nevada’s economy and the project is expected to create 400 jobs during peak construction and 15-20 permanent jobs. Unlike the old, dirty technologies used at the nearby Reid-Gardner coal plant, this new solar project will not emit any hazardous emissions, wastes, or carbon pollution.

"In building out K Road’s solar capabilities in Nevada, hundreds of clean energy jobs will be created. By beginning the process of working towards energy independence, the Moapa Band of Paiutes will have a unique opportunity to strengthen their local economy. I have worked hard to make sure that Nevada tribes have new opportunities to flourish and I am confident that this clean energy project will provide a meaningful opportunity to improve the quality of life for the Moapa Paiutes and nearby communities.

"I thank Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar who worked so hard to make sure this clean energy project was achieved for our two states. I look forward to collaborating with them on future job-creating projects that will forge a path toward energy self-reliance in the West. Nevada has become a clean energy leader and I will continue to work so Nevada’s communities have opportunities to harness their immense clean energy potential. We have a true opportunity to transform Nevada’s economy into the vibrant core of a Western and national clean energy market opportunity unlike anywhere in the world."

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