On August 19, 2008,  Nevada Senator Harry Reid joined the Center for American Progress Action Fund and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) to host the National Clean Energy Summit. The summit brought together major industry leaders, scientists, policy experts, and elected officials including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to define an agenda that accelerates the development of renewable energy, energy-efficiency technologies and robust clean energy markets throughout the nation and world. “We are here today to accept the challenge of creating a clean energy revolution. And we are ready to put aside political differences to achieve this goal,” said Reid.

Reid continued his effort to promote clean energy by urging “Congress should pass a long-term extension of tax incentives for private sector entrepreneurs who are standing by, ready to invest billions of dollars in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.” He added “Congress should look to build a national smart grid – a way to transmit electricity – that will reward net energy producers and provide affordable clean energy to regions that need it. And Congress should set aggressive national standards for renewable energy and energy efficiency.” 

Read the rest of Reid’s prepared remarks as prepared for delivery here. The Summit's objective was to define consensus ideas and principles that participants can carry to the parties' political conventions and into the next presidential administration. Read more on Reid's efforts to promote renewable energy in Nevada and across America.

Go here for more information on the summit: www.cleanenergysummit.org