Representatives of geothermal and solar power companies say Nevada could become a national leader in renewable energy.

They briefed state lawmakers on recently completed and upcoming
projects in Nevada, including Nevada Solar One, a solar energy
plant in Boulder City that begins operation at the end of April.

Nevada Solar One will produce 64 megawatts of power, making it
the third largest solar facility in the world.

Paul Thomsen, a lobbyist for geothermal company Ormat, says the
best thing lawmakers can do to encourage green energy is to protect
the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard. That law requires Nevada
power companies to get 20 percent of their energy from renewables
and efficiency improvements by 2015.