Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2134
Last Updated: April 6, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

ID: L000590

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative doublespeak, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this monstrosity and expose its true nature.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act (HR 2134) claims to promote economic development and conservation in southern Nevada. How quaint. In reality, it's a Frankenstein's monster of a bill, stitched together from various special interest groups' wish lists. Its primary objective is to serve the interests of its sponsors, Ms. Lee and Mr. Amodei, by securing land deals, water rights, and other goodies for their constituents.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** This behemoth of a bill contains numerous provisions that benefit specific groups, including:

1. Tribal empowerment and economic development (Titles I and II): Land transfers, trust arrangements, and gaming restrictions for the Moapa Band of Paiutes and Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. 2. Conservation and land management (Title III): Wilderness designations, national conservation area adjustments, and special management areas. 3. Local government conveyances (Title IV): Land transfers to various cities and counties in Nevada for public purposes, such as fire training facilities and water supply infrastructure.

These provisions are carefully crafted to appease specific stakeholders while masquerading as a comprehensive economic development and conservation package.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:

1. Native American tribes (Moapa Band of Paiutes and Las Vegas Paiute Tribe) 2. Local governments (Clark County, City of Boulder City, etc.) 3. Special interest groups (environmental organizations, gaming industry representatives) 4. Land developers and speculators 5. The State of Nevada

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a ticking time bomb of unintended consequences:

1. **Land grabs**: The transfer of land to tribal trusts and local governments may lead to increased development pressure, threatening environmental conservation efforts. 2. **Water rights chaos**: The absence of Federal reserved water rights for lands taken into trust may spark conflicts between the Tribe, state authorities, and other stakeholders. 3. **Gaming industry manipulation**: Restrictions on class II and III gaming may be circumvented through clever loopholes or future legislative tweaks, benefiting select interests. 4. **Environmental degradation**: Increased development and land use changes may harm sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

In conclusion, HR 2134 is a masterclass in legislative obfuscation, designed to serve the narrow interests of its sponsors and stakeholders while masquerading as a comprehensive economic development and conservation package. Its true purpose is to further entrench the power dynamics that have long plagued Nevada's politics: corruption, cronyism, and environmental degradation.

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