By Senator Joyce Woodhouse
May 26, 2010

Last Wednesday I was invited to the Youth in Environment Summit here in Nevada at the Springs Preserve.  It was great to see so many young people gather with their peers and rally around the cause of addressing local and global environmental problems.  I want to applaud these young people for their commitment to our state, the environment, and the future of our planet.  It is all of our responsibility to leave this state and planet in better shape than we found it for future generations.  Their time, interest, and dedication set an example for all of us.

It was great to meet and talk with students who understand that each and every one of us can make a difference in our community.  Truly, change starts with the individual, and all those small changes add up.  That is why this past legislative session I co-sponsored legislation that requires options for recycling on college campuses and in apartment buildings.  If we provide Nevadans with the opportunity to make a difference, they will.

As your State Senator I have been fighting to transition Nevada to a new Green Economy.  I helped invest federal dollars in training programs to give out-of-work Nevadans the opportunity to develop new skills for the green jobs market.  I helped promote weatherization of homes to make them more energy efficient.  I also helped pass the most comprehensive green jobs bill in our state.  We need a long term strategy to use our wide open spaces, sunny days, and other natural resources to promote a green economy.  We will attract renewable industries, expand access to renewable energy for small business, and move our state into the green future.  Attending this summit reminded me that it is the responsibility of all adults to protect our environment for future generations.

I want to thank everyone who attended the Youth in Environment Summit.  It was great to see students brainstorming, going through work stations, and demonstrating their commitment to the betterment of our state.  We cannot move forward without your commitment!