Renewable energy organizations are convening this week at the RIO to discuss energy stratagies under the new administration. Las Vegas is the right place for such a gathering, as Nevada is promoting itself as a "green" leader.

Environmental advocacy groups are joining with legislators to promote Nevada as a leader in the race to harness renewable energy sources.

Southern Nevada could be a huge winner in the renewable energy sweepstakes. There's enough solar energy potential here in the Silver State and the adjacent southwest to power the United States seven times over.

While risk-aversion and conservatism remain rational foundations for investment strategies during this period of turmoil, the entrepreneurial spirit inside each of us can perhaps find expression in the bold actions of companies we invest in.

Arch Coal (NYSE: ACI) woke the coal sector from its slumber this week with a deal to purchase the massive Jacob's Ranch Mine from megaminer Rio Tinto (NYSE: RTP). At $761 million, the deal for this fully operational mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin values the mine's reserves of 381 million tons at about $2 per ton.