TONOPAH -- Nye County officials will meet with town boards, "green" energy company officials and government agencies to gather input for a policy on renewable energy.

County Manager Rick Osborne said a committee that includes Tonopah Town Manager James Eason, Assistant County Manager Pam Webster, attorney Tyson Smith, Planning Director Jack Lohman, Planner Cheryl Beeman, acting Public Works Director Dave Fanning, Nuclear Waste Project Office Director Darrell Lacy and consultants Walt Kuver and Eileen Christensen is attempting to come up with a plan to regulate the industry.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has received 31 applications to build renewable energy projects on public land in Nye County.

In a written statement on the future of renewable energy in Nye County, Osborne wrote: "Needless to say, should all or a portion of these proposals become a reality, Nye County will be a forerunner in the emerging field of renewable and alternative energy production. It is important, however, that we assume this role in a manner that is fiscally, economically and environmentally responsible so that the quality of life in Nye County is maintained and its economic future ensured."

Osborne said areas outside Pahrump are largely unregulated. The committee will present an issue statement on renewable energy by July, he said.

Nye County Commissioner Joni Eastley Tuesday urged caution.

"We've already proven our ability to kill a goose before it has a chance to lay a golden egg by looking at some of the opportunities we missed in Pahrump," Eastley said. "I would caution people to be careful before they start regulating things."

The county wants to gather input on:

* The anticipated economic benefits of new renewable energy facilities;

* The potential impacts on public infrastructure like roads, water, the environment and lighting;

* Long-term goals and needs of the renewable energy sector, including demands on the workforce and public facilities;

* Establishing a short- and long-term relationship between Nye County and renewable energy providers;

* The fiscal impacts on Nye County's budget and funding sources available for additional infrastructure to serve renewable energy facilities;

* The relationship between Nye County and other regulatory agencies like the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Defense and the Public Utilities Commission;

* Concerns of Nye County residents, employees and employers on how widespread development of renewable energy may impact their quality of life.

Anyone who has questions or wants to submit written comments is asked to write to Richard Osborne, Nye County manager, 401 S. Frontage Road, Suite 5, Pahrump, NV 89048. He can be contacted by phone at 751-7075 or by fax at 751-7093.