Porter Speaks At MV Rotary Breakfast

The Moapa Valley Rotary Club welcomed Congressman Jon Porter to breakfast on Wednesday, August 6. Congressman Porter has served the area since 1993 and has seen many changes. “I have seen Moapa Valley evolve and I have seen change,” Porter said. “Although in many ways it hasn’t changed.”

Growing up in Iowa, Porter said that he knows what small town life is all about. “This is like coming home to me,” he said.

Porter also touched on a few additional issues that affect local residents. The Gold Butte area was the first topic addressed.

In late May, Porter said he was approached by environmental groups requesting that he look at conservation areas in Gold Butte. At this time, preliminary plans were being made that would propose a National Conservation Area designation for the entire Gold Butte area and would designate new Wilderness areas in certain portions of the region. A self proclaimed off-road enthusiast, Porter stated that he understands there must be a balance brought to bear for anything to move forward.

“I want to assure this community that, as a recreational outdoorsman myself, I am going to make sure nothing happens to Gold Butte until the communities here have taken a position and are involved,” Porter said. He emphasized that any restrictions put forth should be agreed upon by the neighboring communities.

“I don’t know anyone that doesn’t think we shouldn’t preserve and protect Gold Butte,” Porter said. “But we also want to make sure there is access to the public.” Porter explained that most people don’t realize just what ‘public lands’ are and that approximately 87% of Nevada is ‘public land’. “Land acts can take years; collectively I think we can come to a resolution.” he said. Porter explained that all options and proposals are being looked into at this time. “I know that local communities know far better than Washington DC and I look forward to working with all of you on this.”

The next topic Porter addressed was the nation’s oil and energy issue. Porter pointed out that we depend on foreign oil in some shape or form in practically everything we use.

“In the 1970’s we were about 30% dependent on foreign oil,” Porter said. “Today we are approximately 65 to 70% dependent on oil from other countries.”

“We are at a turning point with the future of our country, I am disturbed and think all of you should be,” exclaimed Porter.

Porter stressed that this issue is one of the number one issues facing the country today. Not only the costs we face at the pump but the international competition involved is a huge burden, he said.

Porter observed that many large projects have been halted in the United States due to rising costs. He pointed out that if people don’t fly and stop coming to Las Vegas, it will drastically affect the state’s economy. “The thing about this problem is that it is very fixable,” Porter said.

Porter asserted optimistically that there are ways that Democrats and Republicans can work hand in hand to make a difference.

Porter specifically talked about three strategies that could be used to improve this problem. These included developing alternative energy sources, exploring for more domestic energy sources, and using conservation programs.

As far as alternative sources of energy, Porter expressed how proud he is to have been part of the creation of the nation’s third largest solar facility located in Boulder City. This facility has the capability to supply power to 15,000 homes.

Porter also expressed his belief that nuclear energy is a viable alternative energy source. “I support nuclear energy, it is a consistent source of energy which we need; and a big part of the future,” he said.

In the area of domestic energy sources, Porter explained that the U.S. has tremendous energy resources within its borders that are yet untapped. Many of these resources are kept under lock and key and need to be opened up for exploration. “We need to tell OPEC that we won’t be held hostage and we will find our own resources in the United States,” Porter said.

Porter did note that we need to be environmentally sensitive in our exploration of these resources. But he emphasized that it was possible to develop the resources in a responsible way. “I assure you that if we stood hand in hand as parties in all communities and worked together we could send a message to the world that we are not going to be dependent on foreign oil,” he said.

Porter opened the floor for questions from the attendees. A question was asked regarding water levels at Lake Mead and if there were any plans in the works to bring those levels up.

Porter explained that 2008 provided an excellent year of snow in the western mountains feeding the Colorado River system, “not nearly enough to bring us back to where we need to be” he said. “All we can do is hope for more of the same in future years.”

When asked about reopening recreational facilities at the lake, Porter stated “It is a priority for me to make sure access comes back, we need it back, it is a huge part of our economy.”

At the conclusion of his visit Rotarian, Chris Green presented Porter with a Moapa Valley Rotary belt buckle as a gesture of good faith. “We are proud to make sure you own your very own Moapa Valley Rotary Belt Buckle,” said Green with a laugh. Congressman Porter graciously accepted with a smile.