The creation of many Reno construction jobs is being delayed as Nevada’s largest energy provider postpones the building of a major plant.

NV Energy Inc. has announced it will delay the building of Ely Energy Center, a coal-fired power plant near Reno, because of environmental and economic uncertainties. According to an article by The Associated Press, construction of the $5 billion plant could be put off for up to 10 years, adding to the state’s decrease in construction jobs.

“Now is not the time to take an economic risk for either our customers or our shareholders,” Michael Yackira, company president and chief executive, said in the article.

Many community leaders and politicians, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Nevada Conservation League, have opposed construction of the 1,500-megawatt plant, as they fear it would increase pollution and add to global warming. However, those in favor of the project think it would create several construction jobs and other permanent jobs.

Although construction of the plant has been delayed, NV Energy will continue planning a 250-mile transmission line from Ely to Clark County, which would connect Nevada Power Co., based in Las Vegas, and Sierra Pacific Power Co., based in Reno. The company plans to ask Nevada’s Public Utilities Commission to consider the $600 million transmission line, which would be complete by 2012, separately from the power plant project.

LS Power Group, based in New Jersey, also wants to build a 1,600-megawatt coal-fired power generating complex near Ely, which is about 50 miles west of the Utah state line. One megawatt provides enough electricity for 225 to 750 households.