The House of Representatives approved bills on Tuesday that were introduced by U.S. Reps. Mark Amodei (R-NV) and Cresent Hardy (R-NV) to strengthen protections and local control of public lands in Nevada.
The Nevada Native Nations Land Act, H.R. 2733, introduced by Amodei would allow public land to be held in trust for six different Native American tribes throughout Nevada.
“I commend my colleagues in the House for joining me to pass this critical piece of legislation that will transfer more than 70,000 acres of Nevada public lands back into local control — empowering those who are best suited to make decisions surrounding economic development,” Amodei said.
Under the bill, tribes would be able to address housing shortages, promote development of natural resources, support additional grazing and agricultural uses, use renewable energy, preserve cultural resources, and protect their communities from illegal activities.
“By carefully balancing the unique needs of our Nevada tribal nations with those of local ranchers, land owners, public lands recreationalists and businesses, my bill will allow Nevadans to chart brighter futures for their communities while preserving their cultural heritage and traditions,” Amodei said. “I urge the Senate to take up this common-sense measure as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the Eastern Nevada Land Implementation Improvement Act, H.R. 1815, introduced by Hardy, would amend federal land laws to authorize hazardous fuels reduction projects and wildfire planning for rangeland and woodland restoration in Nevada.
“This is a well-balanced, bipartisan piece of legislation that will reduce wild land fire threat and greatly benefit local communities, wildlife and its habitat, and the future management of public lands in Nevada,” Hardy said.
The bill would also authorize a conservation plan in Nevada’s Virgin River region by amending a previous bill to provide authority for the Fish and Wildlife Service to implement it.
“Lastly, the bill makes several boundary adjustments that collectively reduce three Wilderness Areas to improve public access to the Big Canyon Trailhead, provide land to an existing Girl Scout camp, and release a small dam owned and operated by the Yamba Tribe,” Hardy said.
U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) applauded Hardy’s leadership on the Eastern Nevada Land Implementation Improvement Act.
“I am proud to see our legislation take an important step towards fruition by passing the House. It is significant for the State of Nevada, allowing Lincoln County, White Pine County, and the City of Mesquite the flexibility they need to provide long-term economic growth opportunities, and at the same time, reinforces conservation efforts in the area,” Heller said. “I commend Congressman Hardy for his tireless efforts and leadership in guiding this bill through the House. As the lead in the Senate, I will work to successfully advance this priority over its last hurdle so it can be sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.”