Overview

Title

To provide for conservation and economic development in the State of Nevada, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

H.R. 2134 is a plan to help Nevada by protecting nature and helping cities grow, like making special areas for playing with off-road vehicles and giving important lands to local tribes. It also talks about sharing land with towns so they can use it for new projects and making sure the environment stays safe.

Summary AI

H.R. 2134, also known as the "Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act," aims to promote conservation and stimulate economic development in Nevada. It provides for the transfer of land to be held in trust for local tribes, adjusts boundaries for conservation areas, creates provisions for local government land conveyances, and establishes new off-highway vehicle recreation areas. Additionally, the bill focuses on protecting public lands, designating special management areas, and ensuring sustainable development practices in various regions of Nevada. The bill also addresses flood control and recognizes state jurisdiction over fish and wildlife management.

Published

2025-03-14
Congress: 119
Session: 1
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Introduced in House
Date: 2025-03-14
Package ID: BILLS-119hr2134ih

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
27
Words:
12,536
Pages:
58
Sentences:
299

Language

Nouns: 4,129
Verbs: 807
Adjectives: 493
Adverbs: 132
Numbers: 693
Entities: 1,097

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.23
Average Sentence Length:
41.93
Token Entropy:
5.41
Readability (ARI):
22.89

AnalysisAI

General Summary

The "Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act" is a proposed bill focused on managing and promoting conservation and economic development within Nevada, particularly in Southern Nevada. The bill emphasizes land management, including transferring land to benefit the Moapa Band of Paiutes and the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. In addition, it intends to adjust conservation area boundaries, designate new wilderness areas, and address local governmental conveyances for public purposes. Another significant aspect is its focus on project initiatives such as implementing watershed plans and developing off-highway vehicle recreation areas.

Summary of Significant Issues

Several key issues have emerged with this bill. One major concern is the transfer of various federal land parcels to local entities without financial compensation (Sections 401, 402, 403). This may be seen as favoritism or a significant transfer of public assets without financial compensation to the federal government. There are also concerns about potential favoritism related to right-of-way grants for utility companies (Section 103), and the lack of detailed environmental oversight and public access to maps concerning the adjustments to wilderness area boundaries (Section 301).

The establishment of new special management areas following the revocation of the Ivanpah Area of Critical Environmental Concern (Section 204) lacks clarity on environmental impacts and consultation processes. Additionally, for some projects, such as the Lower Virgin River watershed plan, the lack of detailed budgetary information could lead to unchecked spending (Section 501).

Impact on the Public

The bill's broad impact could manifest in both positive and negative dimensions. On a positive note, it seeks to promote economic growth by allocating lands for tribal empowerment and encouraging local government involvement in land management. By creating new conservation areas and designating wilderness areas, the bill also aims to enhance environmental protection and recreation opportunities for the public.

Conversely, the lack of financial compensation for transferring federal lands might lead to concerns about the loss of public assets without appropriate returns. If mismanaged, the off-highway vehicle areas might result in environmental degradation, which could saddle the public with cleanup expenses in the future. Furthermore, some stakeholders may view the competitive nature of utilities and land use permissions as lacking transparency and fairness, potentially leading to public distrust.

Specific Stakeholder Impacts

For tribes such as the Moapa Band of Paiutes and the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, the bill seems beneficial by recognizing their land rights and potentially boosting their economic development. Communities engaged in off-road recreation may benefit from the newly designated recreation areas, potentially increasing tourism and related economic activity in those regions.

However, the conveyances of federal land without competitive processes might disadvantage other potentially interested parties. Specific stakeholders in Clark County and other named cities may experience positive impacts, receiving needed land for development without incurring significant costs. In contrast, individuals or entities seeking equitable opportunities for utility rights-of-way or public land use could find themselves adversely affected by the perceived preferential treatments and processes outlined in the bill.

Overall, while the bill carries initiatives aimed at spurring economic development and supporting conservation efforts, the manner of execution raises questions about fairness, transparency, and long-term environmental responsibility.

Issues

  • The conveyance of various parcels of Federal land without consideration to entities such as Clark County, the City of Boulder City, and the City of Mesquite may be seen as favoritism or a significant transfer of public assets without direct financial compensation to the federal government (Sections 401, 402, 403).

  • The requirement for the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe to grant a 300-foot-wide right-of-way for renewable energy transmission may favor certain qualified electric utilities without clear criteria on utility selection (Section 103).

  • The potential exclusion of entities other than specific Nevada departments and cities in the definition of 'Federal incidental take permit' suggests favoritism unless justified by unique state needs (Section 2).

  • The amendment of wilderness area boundaries and additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System could lead to significant land use changes without detailed public access to justifying maps or thorough environmental oversight (Section 301).

  • The revocation of the Ivanpah Area of Critical Environmental Concern and establishment of new special management areas lack clarity on environmental impacts and do not specify adequate public or indigenous consultations (Section 204).

  • The lack of detailed budgetary information or total cost associated with the development and implementation of the Lower Virgin River watershed plan could lead to unchecked spending (Section 501).

  • The transfer of land for private-public partnerships within the context of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area under vague terms could result in conflicts of interest or favoritism towards private organizations (Section 201).

  • The conveyance of land in the Clark County Job Creation Zone without clear boundaries or a competitive process may lead to perceived favoritism or lack of transparency in land development (Section 210).

  • The language regarding exclusive utility rights-of-way in designated transportation and utility corridors could lead to conflicts of interest and lacks detailed oversight procedures (Section 702).

  • The section establishing off-highway vehicle recreation areas could result in environmental concerns if not appropriately managed, potentially leading to long-term wasteful spending (Section 701).

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title; table of contents Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act aims to facilitate various initiatives in Southern Nevada. It includes transferring lands for tribal empowerment, adjusting boundaries and protections for conservation areas, supporting local government arrangements for public purposes, implementing a watershed plan, and addressing off-road recreation and flood control facilities.

2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text defines key terms used in the Act, including specific meanings for "County", which refers to Clark County, Nevada, "Federal incidental take permit", which relates to certain permits issued under the Endangered Species Act, "Secretary", which indicates the Secretary of the Interior, "Secretary concerned", concerning federal land, and "State", defined as Nevada.

101. Transfer of land to be held in trust for the Moapa Band of Paiutes Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill section provides for the transfer of approximately 44,950 acres of land to be held in trust by the United States for the Moapa Band of Paiutes, forming part of their reservation. This transfer ensures there are no provisions for gaming on the land, preserves the Tribe's water rights under state law while denying federal reserved water rights, and establishes both existing rights-of-way and a reservation for electric transmission facilities.

102. Tribal fee land to be held in trust Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines that the Tribe's rights to approximately 196 acres of land will be held in trust by the United States for the Tribe's benefit and made part of their reservation. A survey to define the land's boundaries must be completed within 180 days after the Act is enacted.

103. Transfer of land to be held in trust for the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines the transfer of land to be held in trust for the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, describing the land area and conditions such as establishing a right-of-way for renewable energy, prohibitions on gaming, and stipulations regarding water rights and an intergovernmental agreement. It also includes a mandatory survey to define the land boundaries and updates an existing piece of legislation.

201. Definition of public park under the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Protection and Enhancement Act of 2002 Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Protection and Enhancement Act of 2002 has been updated to include definitions for "associated supportive use" and "public park." An "associated supportive use" is any use that enhances the function and enjoyment of a public park, while a "public park" refers to land developed for recreational purposes by a partnership between Clark County, Nevada, and a private entity, which may charge fees for entry or use.

202. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area boundary adjustment Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area boundary has been adjusted to now include approximately 253,950 acres, according to a new map titled "Southern Nevada Land Management" from November 14, 2024.

203. Land disposal and public purpose conveyances Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 to extend the date for land disposal and allow the nomination of additional acres near Las Vegas for disposal. It permits the movement and off-site disposal of sand and gravel for certain purposes, enables Clark County to make management changes for public health and safety without requiring approval from the Secretary, and prioritizes the review of affordable housing land use applications by local governments, requiring necessary reviews to be completed within 180 days.

204. Revocation of Ivanpah Area of Critical Environmental Concern and establishment of special management areas Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill outlines the revocation of the Ivanpah Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the establishment of several special management areas in the county to protect and enhance the natural, cultural, and wildlife resources. It specifies how these areas should be managed to conserve their attributes while allowing limited uses and maintaining public utility rights within designated corridors, ensuring no interference with existing operations or development plans like the Ivanpah Valley Airport.

205. Relationship to the Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines the extension of the Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan by crediting nearly 359,000 acres of conserved land to offset impacts from future development in the area, while also extending the duration of the current conservation plan and permit as determined by federal authorities. It specifies that the Act does not otherwise change the existing Conservation Plan.

206. Designation of Maude Frazier Mountain Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section designates the peak of Frenchman Mountain in the state, located by specific latitude and longitude coordinates, as "Maude Frazier Mountain." It also states that any mention of this peak in U.S. laws or documents should be considered a reference to "Maude Frazier Mountain."

207. Availability of special account Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section modifies part of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 to include "the Tule Springs Fossil Bed National Monument" alongside the Great Basin National Park and other areas in the special fund distribution.

208. Nevada Cancer Institute land conveyance Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The amendment to Section 2603(a)(3) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 allows the Nevada Cancer Institute, or any future successors, to be included in the section referring to land conveyance.

209. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area boundary adjustment Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area boundary is being adjusted with a new map and increased acreage. Additionally, a right-of-way is granted for water pipeline infrastructure with specific conditions to protect conservation resources, and the existing transmission and utility corridors will be preserved, all while adhering to applicable laws and ensuring no adverse effects on the area's surface resources.

210. Clark County conveyance Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section of the bill, the United States government plans to transfer about 350 acres of land in Sloan, Nevada, to Clark County for use as a "Job Creation Zone." Clark County can use this land for nonresidential development, sell or lease it for fair market value, or retain it for public purposes like recreation, while following certain noise and use compatibility rules. If the land is not used appropriately or within 30 years, it might revert back to the federal government.

301. Additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill modifies the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002 to add several areas to the National Wilderness Preservation System. It changes the designation of certain federal lands in Southern Nevada managed by various federal agencies, totaling hundreds of thousands of acres, including areas like the Mount Stirling Wilderness and the Southern Paiute Wilderness. These new wilderness areas are depicted on a map dated November 14, 2024.

401. City of Boulder City, Nevada, conveyance Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines that the United States is allowing Boulder City, Nevada, to take over a piece of federal land without paying for it, as long as the land is used for a public purpose. If the land stops being used for that purpose, the US can take it back, and if the land is found to be contaminated before reversion, Boulder City will be responsible for cleaning it up.

402. City of Mesquite, Nevada, conveyance for the protection of the Virgin River watershed Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section authorizes the U.S. government to transfer about 250 acres of federal land in Mesquite, Nevada, to the city for a watershed management plan to protect the Virgin River. If the land is not used as intended or becomes contaminated, it may revert back to the government, with the city responsible for cleaning up any contamination.

403. Clark County, Nevada, conveyance to support public safety and wildfire response Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Clark County, Nevada, is allowed to receive specific parcels of federal land for public safety and wildfire response facilities, such as police and fire stations, without payment, as long as they pay the costs like land surveys, and the land is used for its intended public purposes. If the land stops being used for these purposes, it may return to U.S. ownership, and the county will be responsible for cleaning any contamination if required.

404. Moapa Valley Water District, Nevada, conveyance to support access to rural water supply Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section authorizes the Secretary to transfer around 121 acres of federal land in Nevada to the Moapa Valley Water District, which will use it to build necessary water infrastructure. If the land stops being used for this public purpose, it can revert back to the United States, and any contamination must be cleaned by the District.

405. City of North Las Vegas, Nevada, conveyance for fire training facility Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines a plan for the Secretary to transfer approximately 10 acres of federal land to the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada, for building a fire training facility, without charging the City, as long as the land is used for public safety purposes. If the land stops being used for this purpose, it might return to federal ownership, and the City will be responsible for cleaning up any hazardous waste if present.

501. Implementation of Lower Virgin River watershed plan Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section updates a law related to the Mesquite Lands Act of 1988 by changing how plans are made for the Lower Virgin River. It removes specific parts and clarifies that the focus should be on developing and carrying out a watershed plan for this river.

601. Southern Nevada Limited Transition Area Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section defines a "Transition Area" as a 742-acre piece of land in Henderson, Nevada, which can be sold or leased by the city for nonresidential and limited residential development at fair market value. The city may also choose to keep some land for public recreation or other purposes by informing the Secretary and paying an amount equal to the land's fair market value.

701. Off-highway vehicle recreation areas Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section establishes several off-highway vehicle recreation areas on Federal land in Nevada and outlines their purposes, management guidelines, and vehicle usage rules. It also provides procedures for developing management plans, addresses how transportation and utility corridors will be handled, and specifies that the land within these areas is withdrawn from various public land, mining, and leasing laws.

702. Lower Las Vegas Wash weirs Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Secretary is directed to complete the construction of six erosion control structures, known as weirs, in the lower Las Vegas Wash within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This must be done within eight years from the enactment date of the Act, provided there are sufficient funds and compliance with laws and existing rights.

703. Critical flood control facilities Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Secretary is required to update the Las Vegas Resource Management Plan from 1998 to enable the planning and building of flood control facilities in a specific area that is important for the protection of desert tortoises. This update will align with the latest version of the Las Vegas Valley Master Plan for Flood Control Facilities, which includes a map showing the proposed facilities in the area.

704. Jurisdiction over fish and wildlife Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

This section states that the rules in the Act do not change the State's control over managing fish or wildlife on any Federal land within that State.