April 22, 2014

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First District sent a letter to Governor Brian Sandoval and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today to highlight the benefits of developing Interstate 11 as a "solar highway."

A copy of the letter can be read here:

Dear Governors Sandoval and Brewer,

Today marks the 44^th annual Earth Day. This worldwide event brings attention to our shared responsibility to care for our planet and leave this world cleaner and better for future generations. Accordingly, I write regarding our common goal of developing Interstate 11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix and my vision of building this future interstate as a “solar highway.”

The United States Southwest has the highest solar energy potential of any region in the nation. In fact, as I’m sure you know, Nevada and Arizona rank in the top five states for cumulative solar energy capacity. With I-11 in the early-planning stage, I believe we must take this opportunity to commit to utilizing available rights-of-way for the installation of solar energy systems for energy generation. There is no better way to demonstrate the clean energy possibilities of our region than to showcase it along our highways.

Other regions have seen small installations in the footprint of transportation infrastructure. In Oregon, stakeholders came together and established a public-private partnership for the development of a solar array at the interchange of Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 south of Portland. This 104 kilowatt system feeds the energy grid during the day and lights the interchange in the evening.

An I-11 solar highway will create jobs, demonstrate our region’s economic potential, and generate clean, renewable energy. I thank you for your attention to this letter and look forward to working with you to see this vision become a reality.

Sincerely,

Dina Titus
Member of Congress

cc:
Rudy Malfabon, P.E., Director, Nevada Department of Transportation
John S. Halikowski, Director Arizona Department of Transportation