LAS VEGAS -- Sen. Barack Obama came to Las Vegas Tuesday to discuss his plans for alternative energy policies.

Obama said this is his time, but he knows winning this election isn't going to be easy.

Dozens stood and applauded as Obama walked into the Springs Preserve.

"A green, renewable energy economy isn't some pie-in-the-sky, far-off future. It is now," he said.

Obama said he could lower gas prices and create new jobs.

"Saving American customers from purchasing a half a trillion gallons of gas over the next 18 years," he said.

He promised by advancing solar, wind and geothermal energy sources, there would be 80,000 new jobs in Nevada by 2025, most in construction. He criticized his opponent, Republican hopeful Sen. John McCain, for not investing in alternative energy.

"In this campaign, John McCain is offering the same gimmicks -- no short term relief to folks that are struggling with high gas prices, only increasing our addiction for another four years," Obama said.

Obama also criticized McCain’s stance on Yucca Mountain and tax relief for oil companies. He promised to charge oil companies for acres they don't drill on, to raise standards on automakers and to put $150 million in alternative fuels over 10 years, which he claimed will create 5 million new jobs.

Obama promised three things before he left.

"Drawing troops out of Iraq, ending this war -- a responsible way to use some of the $10 to $12 billion a month there. No.2, fix the health care system. Someone loses a job and keeps health care. Finally, energy, and we are going to get that right," he said.

Obama also talked about giving out more stimulus checks, tax cuts for workers and families and taxing oil companies.

McCain will be in Vegas Wednesday.

He will attend a fundraiser luncheon in Southern Highlands and give a speech on energy and national security at the University of Southern Nevada.