A new state renewable energy agency was endorsed by Nevada state lawmakers last week, the Associated Press (AP) reported last Thursday (June 25). Called the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Authority, the office would be headed by a commissioner who would earn $117,030 annually, to be helped by an executive assistant who would receive $56,265 annually.

Nevada lawmakers’ Interim Finance Committee (IFC) supported the endorsement while initial funding for the office will come from small tax collectibles by the state’s Public Utilities Commission, said AP.

The new agency would also reportedly be allowed to contract its legal counsel, as provided for by a new law approved this year, Assemblyman Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka said through AP. Meanwhile, State Budget Director Andrew Clinger reportedly said that no request for legal counsel funding has been made yet for the office, adding that more details on the agency would be announced once a new commissioner has been seated.

More information on the agency is expected to be released after the IFC’s scheduled meeting on September. Some criticisms from lawmakers have reportedly been aired concerning the lack of information disseminated about the agency and the source of funding for it.


-  Jen Balboa

---

Source:

¹ http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jun/25/nevada-lawmakers-approve-new-energy-agency/