With the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo less than two weeks away, key Nevada policymakers have thrown their support behind the event and the state's geothermal industry. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and Reno Mayor Bob Cashell each welcomed the GEA Expo to Reno and expressed their gratitude for an industry that has thrived in Nevada.

In addition to Mayor Cashell's official letter of welcome, Reid, a longtime proponent of geothermal and other renewable energy sources, highlighted Nevada's continued clean energy efforts which have resulted in in-state job growth.

"I welcome all members of the Geothermal Energy Association and participants in this year's annual Geothermal Energy Expo to Reno," said Senator Harry Reid.

"Nevada is a leader in clean energy innovation. By continuing our efforts, Nevada will be able to tap into its vast clean energy potential and utilize renewable sources of power like geothermal, wind, and solar to secure a clean energy future.

"Clean energy development has already created thousands of jobs in Nevada and continued investment will help to drive our economy forward. Clean energy innovators like those at the Expo will provide the solutions that Nevada and the rest of the country need to maintain its momentum as a leader in clean energy development."

Governor Sandoval pointed to Nevada's vast geothermal resources and lauded the state's status as a geothermal hub. "It's wonderful to have the world's top geothermal companies and experts return to Reno as part of the 2012 GEA Geothermal Energy Expo.

"With Nevada boasting the largest concentration of geothermal energy in the nation, and many of the world's leading geothermal developers doing business here, Nevada is a great location for the Expo," said Governor Brian Sandoval.

"Our state is committed to continuing to work with our partners to find innovative ways to be the nation's hub for the geothermal industry, particularly through the work of Nevada's New Energy Industry Task Force that is discussing transmission and renewable energy policies at the state and regional level."

The 2012 GEA Geothermal Energy Expo, hosted by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), brings nearly 150 exhibitors to Reno, the world's geothermal business center and a decades-long hot spot for the industry. Nevada leads the nation with 59 geothermal projects currently in development, and Reno is the only major metro area in the United States that produces enough geothermal energy to meet its entire residential load.

"GEA greatly appreciates the Nevada policymakers who continue to support geothermal energy," said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. "Nevada's government officials, from local to national, understand the importance of geothermal to the state, and this is part of the reason why the industry continues to flourish in The Silver State."