Obama promoting clean energy, stimulus in Nevada

LAS VEGAS -- In a Western trip devoted mainly to raising political money, President Obama is highlighting two favorite issues: clean energy and his economic stimulus plan.

The president was scheduled to tour the "photovoltaic array" at Nellis Air Force Base, near Las Vegas, on Wednesday. The solar-powered cells provide a quarter of the base's power needs, White House officials said.

Obama also was expected to discuss the progress of his $787 billion stimulus package, which Congress passed three months ago. The money is paying for thousands of projects in construction and other fields throughout the country.

Obama sandwiched the midday event between two political fundraisers: one on Tuesday night in Las Vegas for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and one set for Wednesday night in Los Angeles for the Democratic National Committee.

Officials said Obama would address about 400 people at Nellis, including Air Force personnel, civilian workers and families living on the base.

The base's $100 million public-private solar power system covers 140 acres and generates more than 14 megawatts of electricity. It sells energy to Nellis, as well as selling Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to Nevada Power, said Susan DeVico, spokeswoman for Renewable Ventures, the private investor.

The system's solar collectors track the sun's path for greater efficiency, she said.