Derby releases energy plan

Congressional candidate Jill Derby: Campaign PhotoDemocratic congressional candidate Jill Derby released a detailed energy plan Wednesday, with recommendations for reducing fuel demand, expanding renewable energy sources and expanded drilling in areas with "low environmental risk."

Derby said the nation must commit to a "Apollo-Project style investment" in renewable energy technology, specifically mentioning solar and geothermal energy as viable options.

Derby also advocated limited on-shore and off-shore oil drilling to meet demand until renewable sources become more readily available, though she stipulated drilling should only be conducted in areas that can sustain it without serious environmental damage.

“My energy plan calls for activating all our resources to end our dependence on foreign oil through new drilling and the investment of all new drilling revenues into renewable energy development," Derby said in a statement released with the plan. "This means greater national security, cleaner environment, and new jobs for Nevada.”

Derby's plan also called for greater investment in mass transit, stricter fuel economy standards for automobiles and a crackdown on speculation on oil prices.

Derby's opponent in the 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Dean Heller (R-Carson City), has participated in a Republican protest on Capitol Hill after congressional Democrats refused to take a vote on a bill to expand off-shore drilling.

The 2nd district is expected to be very closely-contested, and national Democratic leaders have identified the seat as a possible pick-up in November.