Nevada

To revitalize the economy and protect the environment, Americans need to save energy and reduce use of fossil fuels. But they don't have to give up the hot rod.

On March 28, signs and message boards along the Strip -- the brightest spot on Earth when viewed from space, the lore goes -- will power down for 60 minutes as part of a global event intended to raise awareness of climate change.

NV Energy Inc., which has endured criticism from environmentalists over development of the $5 billion Ely Energy Center, confirmed Thursday it is interested in building another coal-fired power plant.

LS Power, a developer proposing a large, coal-fired power plant near Ely, last week canceled plans for a similar plant in Iowa, and opponents of both plants are hailing the decision as yet another sign that coal is in trouble.

Last year, Las Vegas was hotter and drier than normal — and it was the fourth warmest year on record, according to the National Weather Service.

A key backer for one of three coal-fired power projects in Nevada announced Friday that it was ending its participation in the project.

The electric utility serving Las Vegas is preparing to consider its first investment in a geothermal power project in Northern Nevada, using a method just approved by state regulators.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Monday approved land for one giant billion-dollar coal-fired power plant near Ely and issued a draft decision on a second one nearby.

“For all of us who believe that a focus on clean energy can lead to a new era of sustainable economic growth, this is an exciting time.” said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

It is likely to be the first wind farm built in Nevada, but the impacts are just too much for many of the 65 residents who attended a briefing on the project last week.