Nevada Newsflash 2011-11-22

Public Comment Period Open for Solar Energy Zones

The recently released Supplement to the Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Solar Energy Development (Solar PEIS) identifies 17 solar energy zones  for responsible utility-scale solar development on public lands. The zones are located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.

The Department of the Interior developed the Solar PEIS to "establish meaningful solar energy zones with transmission solutions and incentives for solar energy development within those zones. ...ultimately [making] for faster, better permitting of large-scale solar projects on public lands."

There are several ways to comment on the Solar PEIS:

• Use the online form at http://solareis.anl.gov
• Send written comments to: Solar Energy Supplement; Argonne National Laboratory; 9700 S. Cass Avenue—EVS/240; Argonne, IL 60439
• Attend a public meeting:

Las Vegas, NV
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Phoenix, AZ
Thursday, December 1, 2011

El Centro, CA
Wednesday, December 7

Palm Desert, CA
Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Learn more about the meeting format, speaking opportunities,  locations, times and details at the online Information Center.

The meeting site in each city will open one hour prior to the official start time of the public meeting. During that time, the public may view informational posters and maps. During the meeting, a presentation will be given on the Supplement and members of the public are invited to provide oral comments. Register to speak online at the Information Center.

Upon completion of the public review period, the Bureau of Land Management will prepare a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision.

Nevada is Lighting a Fire Under Small Business Exports with NITRO

Nevada small business owners interested in growing their export business are receiving a shot in the arm in the form of a new grant opportunity. Designed to help improve and diversify the state's economy, the Nevada Investment & Trade Revenue Opportunities (NITRO) initiative is offering a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Pilot Grant that provides matching funds for elligible marketing expenses related to a company's international marketing plan. STEP aims to increase the number of small businesses exporting and to increase the value of exports for those small businesses currently exporting.

“This grant provides partnership funds and access to global resources to Nevada’s small businesses that wisely look to exports for future sales growth and prosperity,” said Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. “Increasing our export activity will contribute to a brighter future for Nevada.”

Applications recevied by December 1 will be considered for the first round of allocations.

"No company is too small to go global," said Steve Hill, executive director of the Office of Economic Development. “By learning how to leverage the economic power of exporting, small businesses will help get Nevadans working again."

"Nevada ranks first in export intensity growth according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. STEP will bolster that growth as well as a sense of pride, optimism and opportunity for Nevada’s small businesses.”

Check the website for more information and application documents at  http://nitro.nv.gov.

We wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!