[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H5586-H5598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NORTHERN NEVADA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION ACT OF 2026
Mr. AMODEI of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
pass the bill (H.R. 2317) to provide for transfer of ownership of
certain Federal lands in northern Nevada, to authorize the disposal of
certain Federal lands in northern Nevada for economic development, to
promote conservation in northern Nevada, and for other purposes, as
amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2317
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Northern
Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2026''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--DOUGLAS COUNTY
Sec. 101. Purpose.
Sec. 102. Definitions.
Subtitle A--Land Conveyances and Sales
Sec. 111. Conveyance to State of Nevada.
Sec. 112. Conveyance to Douglas County, Nevada.
Sec. 113. Sale of certain Federal land.
Sec. 114. Open Space Recreation Area.
Subtitle B--Tribal Cultural Resources
Sec. 121. Transfer of land to be held in trust for Tribe.
Subtitle C--Resolution of Burbank Canyons Wilderness Study Area
Sec. 131. Addition to National Wilderness Preservation System.
Sec. 132. Administration.
Sec. 133. Fish and wildlife management.
Sec. 134. Release of wilderness study area.
Sec. 135. Native American cultural and religious uses.
Subtitle D--Convey Forest Service Land for Public Purposes
Sec. 141. Authority of Forest Service to convey to State or county for
public purposes.
Sec. 142. Special use authorizations for recreation and other purposes.
TITLE II--INCLINE VILLAGE FIRE PROTECTION
Sec. 201. Purpose.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Land conveyances for public purposes.
TITLE III--NORTHERN NEVADA FLOOD PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT
Sec. 301. Purpose.
Sec. 302. Definitions.
Sec. 303. Land conveyances for flood protection.
TITLE IV--CARSON CITY PUBLIC LANDS CORRECTION
Sec. 401. Definitions.
[[Page H5587]]
Sec. 402. Land conveyances.
Sec. 403. Carson City street connector conveyance.
Sec. 404. Amendment to reversionary interests.
Sec. 405. Disposal of Federal land.
Sec. 406. Transfer of land to the United States.
Sec. 407. Disposition of proceeds.
Sec. 408. Postponement; exclusion from sale.
TITLE V--PERSHING COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION
Sec. 501. Short title.
Sec. 502. Definitions.
Sec. 503. Findings.
Subtitle A--Land Sales and Exchanges
Sec. 511. Sale or exchange of eligible land.
Sec. 512. Sale of encumbered land.
Sec. 513. Disposition of proceeds.
Subtitle B--Wilderness Areas
Sec. 521. Additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Sec. 522. Administration.
Sec. 523. Wildlife management.
Sec. 524. Release of wilderness study areas.
Sec. 525. Native American cultural and religious uses.
TITLE VI--FEDERAL COMPLEX
Sec. 601. Federal complex.
TITLE VII--ELKO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 701. Short title.
Sec. 702. Definitions.
Sec. 703. Land conveyances to the City of Elko.
Sec. 704. Land conveyances to Elko County.
TITLE VIII--FERNLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 801. Short title.
Sec. 802. Land conveyances.
TITLE IX--CONVEYANCES TO THE CITY OF SPARKS
Sec. 901. Definitions.
Sec. 902. Conveyance of land for use as a public cemetery.
Sec. 903. Conveyance of land for use as regional public parks.
TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 1001. Administration of State water rights.
Sec. 1002. Amendment to conveyance of Federal land in Storey County,
Nevada.
Sec. 1003. Maps and legal descriptions.
Sec. 1004. Minor errors.
TITLE XI--GREENLINK WEST PROJECT
Sec. 1101. Greenlink West Project.
TITLE XII--JEAN PRISON TRANSFER
Sec. 1201. Release of Federal reversionary land interests.
TITLE I--DOUGLAS COUNTY
SEC. 101. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this title is to promote conservation,
improve public land, and provide for sensible development in
Douglas County, Nevada, and for other purposes.
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) County.--The term ``County'' means Douglas County,
Nevada.
(2) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Douglas
County Economic Development and Conservation Act'' and dated
July 10, 2026.
(3) Public land.--The term ``public land'' has the meaning
given the term ``public lands'' in section 103 of the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702).
(4) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned''
means--
(A) with respect to National Forest System land, the
Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Chief of the
Forest Service); and
(B) with respect to land managed by the Bureau of Land
Management, including land held in trust for the benefit of
the Tribe, the Secretary of the Interior.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
(6) Tribe.--The term ``Tribe'' means the Washoe Tribe of
Nevada and California.
(7) Wilderness.--The term ``Wilderness'' means the Burbank
Canyons Wilderness designated by section 131(a).
Subtitle A--Land Conveyances and Sales
SEC. 111. CONVEYANCE TO STATE OF NEVADA.
(a) Conveyance.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Secretary concerned shall convey to the State, without
consideration and by quitclaim deed, all right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to the land described in
subsection (b).
(b) Description of Land.--The land referred to in
subsection (a) is the approximately 67 acres of Forest
Service land generally depicted as ``Lake Tahoe-Nevada State
Park'' on the Map.
(c) Costs.--As a condition of the conveyance under
subsection (a), the State shall pay all costs associated with
the conveyance, including costs of surveys, appraisals,
environmental response and restoration, and administrative
costs (including closing fees).
(d) Use of Land.--
(1) In general.--The land conveyed to the State under
subsection (a) shall be used only for--
(A) the conservation of wildlife or natural resources;
(B) a public park; or
(C) both.
(2) Facilities.--Any facility on the land conveyed under
subsection (a) shall be constructed and managed in a manner
consistent with the uses described in paragraph (1).
(e) Easements.--As a condition of conveyance of the land
under subsection (a), access easements for roads and trails
shall be reserved in the applicable deed at the discretion of
the Secretary concerned.
(f) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
land to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined
by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary concerned.
(g) Minor Errors.--The Secretary concerned, in consultation
with the State, may--
(1) make minor boundary adjustments to the land to be
conveyed under subsection (a); and
(2) correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate,
or legal description of the land to be conveyed under that
subsection.
(h) Reversion.--If any portion of the land conveyed under
subsection (a) is used in a manner that is inconsistent with
the uses described in subsection (d), the land shall, at the
discretion of the Secretary concerned, revert to the United
States.
(i) Additional Terms and Conditions.--With respect to the
conveyance of land under subsection (a), the Secretary
concerned may require such additional terms and conditions as
the Secretary concerned determines to be appropriate to
protect the interests of the United States.
SEC. 112. CONVEYANCE TO DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEVADA.
(a) Definition of Federal Land.--In this section, the term
``Federal land'' means the approximately 7,777 acres of
Federal land in the County that is identified as ``Douglas
County Land Conveyances'' on the Map.
(b) Authorization of Conveyance.--Subject to valid existing
rights and notwithstanding the land use planning requirements
of section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act
of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), on receipt of a request from the
County for the conveyance of the Federal land, the Secretary
concerned shall convey to the County, without consideration,
all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to
the Federal land.
(c) Costs.--The County shall pay any costs relating to the
conveyance authorized under subsection (b), including costs
of surveys, appraisals, environmental response and
restoration, and administrative costs (including closing
fees).
(d) Use of Federal Land.--
(1) In general.--The Federal land conveyed under subsection
(b)--
(A) shall not be used by the County for purposes other than
flood control, recreation, or any other public purpose
consistent with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as
the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et
seq.); and
(B) shall not be disposed of by the County.
(2) Reversion.--If the Federal land conveyed under
subsection (b) is used in a manner inconsistent with
paragraph (1), the Federal land shall, at the discretion of
the Secretary concerned, revert to the United States.
(e) Easements.--As a condition of conveyance of the Federal
land under subsection (b), access easements for roads and
trails shall be reserved in the applicable deed at the
discretion of the Secretary concerned.
(f) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (b) shall be
determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary
concerned.
(g) Minor Errors.--The Secretary concerned, in consultation
with the County, may--
(1) make minor boundary adjustments to the Federal land to
be conveyed under subsection (b); and
(2) correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate,
or legal description of the Federal land to be conveyed under
that subsection.
(h) Additional Terms and Conditions.--With respect to the
conveyance under subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture
may require such additional terms and conditions as the
Secretary of Agriculture determines to be appropriate to
protect the interests of the United States.
(i) Acquisition of Federal Reversionary Interest.--
(1) Request.--The County may submit to the Secretary
concerned a request to acquire the Federal reversionary
interest in all or any portion of the Federal land conveyed
under subsection (b), subject to the condition that the uses
of that land are consistent with subsection (d)(1).
(2) Appraisal.--
(A) In general.--On receipt of a request under paragraph
(1), the Secretary concerned shall complete an appraisal of
the Federal reversionary interest in the Federal land
requested by the County.
(B) Requirement.--The appraisal under subparagraph (A)
shall be completed in accordance with--
(i) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
(ii) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisitions; and
(iii) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(3) Conveyance required.--
(A) In general.--If, by the date that is 1 year after the
date of completion of the appraisal under paragraph (2), the
County submits to the Secretary concerned an offer to acquire
the Federal reversionary interest requested under paragraph
(1), the Secretary concerned, shall convey to the County the
reversionary interest in the Federal land requested with
consideration.
(B) Consideration.--As consideration for the conveyance of
the Federal reversionary interest conveyed under subparagraph
(A), the County shall pay to the Secretary concerned an
amount equal to the appraised value of the Federal
reversionary interest, as determined under paragraph (2).
(C) Costs of conveyance.--The County shall pay any costs
relating to the conveyance of the Federal reversionary
interest under subparagraph (A), including any costs for
surveys, appraisals, and other administrative costs.
(4) Disposition of proceeds.--Any amounts collected under
this subsection shall be disposed of in accordance with
section 113(n).
(j) Revocation of Orders.--Any public land order that
withdraws any parcel of the Federal
[[Page H5588]]
land from appropriation or disposal under a public land law
shall be revoked to the extent necessary to permit disposal
of the parcel of Federal land.
SEC. 113. SALE OF CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND.
(a) In General.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, and notwithstanding sections 202 and
203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1712, 1713), the Secretary concerned shall, in
accordance with the other provisions of that Act and any
other applicable law, and subject to valid existing rights,
conduct 1 or more sales of the parcels of Federal land
described in subsection (b) to qualified bidders.
(b) Description of Land.--The parcels of Federal land
referred to in subsection (a) are--
(1) the approximately 31.5 acres of public land generally
depicted as ``Lands for Disposal'' on the Map; and
(2) certain Federal land selected in accordance with
subsection (c) for potential disposal by the Secretary
concerned through--
(A) the Carson City Field Office Consolidated Resource
Management Plan (including any subsequent amendments to that
plan); or
(B) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1701 et seq).
(c) Joint Selection Required.--The Secretary concerned and
the County shall jointly select which parcels of Federal land
to offer for potential disposal under subsection (b)(2).
(d) Compliance With Local Planning and Zoning Laws.--Before
carrying out a sale of Federal land under subsection (a), the
County shall submit to the Secretary concerned a
certification that qualified bidders have agreed to comply
with--
(1) County zoning ordinances; and
(2) any master plan for the area approved by the County.
(e) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of a
parcel of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (a)
shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary
concerned.
(f) Minor Errors.--The Secretary concerned, in consultation
with the County, may--
(1) make minor boundary adjustments to the parcels of
Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (a); and
(2) correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate,
or legal description of the parcels of Federal land to be
conveyed under that subsection.
(g) Easements.--As a condition of the conveyance of a
parcel of Federal land under subsection (a), access easements
for roads and trails shall be reserved in the applicable deed
at the discretion of the Secretary concerned.
(h) Additional Terms and Conditions.--With respect to a
conveyance of a parcel of Federal land under subsection (a),
the Secretary concerned may require such additional terms and
conditions as the Secretary concerned determines to be
appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
(i) Method of Sale.--A sale of a parcel of Federal land
under subsection (a) shall be--
(1) through a competitive bidding process, unless otherwise
determined by the Secretary concerned; and
(2) for not less than fair market value.
(j) Recreation and Public Purposes Act Conveyances.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days before any parcel
of Federal land that is identified for disposal by the Carson
City Field Office Consolidated Resource Management Plan (or
any amendment to that plan) is offered for sale under
subsection (a), the State or County may elect to obtain the
applicable parcel of Federal land for public purposes in
accordance with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as
the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et
seq.).
(2) Retention.--Pursuant to an election made under
paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall retain the
parcel of Federal land subject to the election for conveyance
to the State or County in accordance with the Act of June 14,
1926 (commonly known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes
Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
(3) Reversion.--If any parcel of Federal land conveyed to
the State or County under paragraph (1) is used in a manner
inconsistent with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as
the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et
seq.), the Federal land shall, at the discretion of the
Secretary concerned, revert to the United States.
(k) Withdrawal.--
(1) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and
except as provided in paragraph (3), the Federal land
described in subsection (b) is withdrawn from--
(A) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under
the public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C) disposition under all laws relating to mineral and
geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
(2) Termination.--The withdrawal under paragraph (1) shall
terminate--
(A) on the date of sale or conveyance of title to the
parcel of Federal land (including mineral rights) described
in subsection (b) pursuant to this section; or
(B) with respect to any parcel of Federal land described in
subsection (b) that is not sold or exchanged, not later than
2 years after the date on which the parcel of Federal land
was offered for sale under this section.
(3) Exception.--Paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply to--
(A) a sale of a parcel of Federal land conducted in
accordance with this section; or
(B) an election by the County or the State to obtain a
parcel of Federal land for public purposes under subsection
(j)(1).
(l) Deadline for Sale.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), not
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act,
if there are 1 or more qualified bidders for the land
described in subsection (b)(1), the Secretary concerned shall
offer the land for sale to the highest qualified bidder.
(2) Postponement; exclusion from sale.--At the request of
the County, the Secretary concerned may temporarily postpone
or exclude from sale under paragraph (1) all or a portion of
the land described in subsection (b).
(m) Disposition of Proceeds.--Of the proceeds of a sale of
a parcel of Federal land under this section--
(1) 5 percent shall be disbursed to the State for use by
the State for general education programs of the State;
(2) 10 percent shall be disbursed to the County for use by
the County for general budgeting purposes; and
(3) 85 percent shall be deposited in a special account in
the Treasury of the United States, to be known as the
``Douglas County Special Account'', which shall be available
to the Secretary concerned without further appropriation and
without fiscal year limitation--
(A) to reimburse costs incurred by the Secretary concerned
in preparing for the sale of the land described in subsection
(b), including costs of surveys, appraisals, environmental
response and restoration, and administrative costs (including
closing fees);
(B) to reimburse costs incurred by the Bureau of Land
Management and the Forest Service in preparing for, and
carrying out, the transfers of land to be held in trust by
the United States under section 121; and
(C) to acquire environmentally sensitive land or an
interest in environmentally sensitive land in the County--
(i) pursuant to the Douglas County Open Space and
Agricultural Lands Preservation Implementation Plan, or any
subsequent amendment to the plan that is undertaken with full
public involvement; and
(ii) for flood control purposes.
(n) Revocation of Orders.--Any public land order that
withdraws any parcel of Federal land described in subsection
(b) from appropriation or disposal under a public land law
shall be revoked to the extent necessary to permit disposal
of that parcel of Federal land under this section.
SEC. 114. OPEN SPACE RECREATION AREA.
(a) Authorization of Conveyance.--As soon as practicable
after the date of enactment of this Act, and on the request
of the County submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture, the
Secretary of Agriculture shall convey to the County, without
consideration and by quitclaim deed, all right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to the Federal land
described in subsection (b) to be used for recreation
purposes.
(b) Description of Land.--The Federal land referred to in
subsection (a) is the approximately 1,084 acres of land
generally depicted as ``Open Space Recreation Area'' on the
Map.
(c) Costs.--The County shall pay any costs relating to the
conveyance authorized under subsection (a), including costs
of surveys, appraisals, environmental response and
restoration, and administrative costs (including closing
fees).
(d) No Disposal.--A parcel of Federal land conveyed under
subsection (a) shall not be disposed of by the County.
(e) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of a
parcel of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (a)
shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(f) Minor Errors.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in
consultation with the County, may--
(1) make minor boundary adjustments to a parcel of Federal
land to be conveyed under subsection (a); and
(2) correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate,
or legal description of a parcel of Federal land to be
conveyed under that subsection.
(g) Easements.--As a condition of the conveyance of a
parcel of Federal land under subsection (a), access easements
for roads and trails shall be reserved in the applicable deed
at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture.
(h) Additional Terms and Conditions.--With respect to the
conveyance of a parcel of Federal land under subsection (a),
the Secretary of Agriculture may require such additional
terms and conditions as the Secretary of Agriculture
determines to be appropriate to protect the interests of the
United States.
(i) Reversion.--If any parcel of Federal land conveyed
under subsection (a) is used in a manner inconsistent with
this section, the parcel of Federal land shall, at the
discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, revert to the
United States.
Subtitle B--Tribal Cultural Resources
SEC. 121. TRANSFER OF LAND TO BE HELD IN TRUST FOR TRIBE.
(a) Definition of Trust Land.--In this section, the term
``trust land'' means--
(1) the land taken into trust under subsection (b); and
(2) any land taken into trust under subsection (c).
(b) Federal Land.--
(1) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, all
right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the
land described in paragraph (2)--
(A) is transferred to the Secretary of the Interior;
(B) shall be held in trust by the United States for the
benefit of the Tribe; and
(C) shall be part of the reservation of the Tribe.
(2) Description of federal land.--The land referred to in
paragraph (1) is the approximately
[[Page H5589]]
2,423 acres of Federal land depicted as ``BLM Land Held in
Trust-Washoe Tribe'' and ``USFS Land Held in Trust-Washoe
Tribe'' on the Map.
(3) Authority to transfer forest service land.--The
Secretary of Agriculture shall have the authority to
administratively transfer Forest Service land described in
paragraph (2) to the Secretary of the Interior, to be held in
trust for the benefit of the Tribe.
(c) Non-federal Land.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior shall accept
any conveyance of the 199 acres of non-Federal land depicted
as ``Fee Lands Held in Trust-Washoe Tribe'' on the Map.
(2) Treatment.--On acceptance of a conveyance under
paragraph (1), the land conveyed to the Secretary of the
Interior under that paragraph--
(A) shall be held in trust by the United States for the
benefit of the Tribe; and
(B) shall be part of the reservation of the Tribe.
(3) Requirement.--A conveyance under paragraph (1) shall be
without consideration.
(d) Survey.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall
complete a cadastral survey and accompanying legal
description to establish the boundaries of the trust land.
(2) Federal register publication.--On the completion of the
survey under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior
shall publish in the Federal Register a legal description of
the trust land.
(e) Use of Trust Land.--
(1) Gaming.--The trust land shall not be eligible, or
considered to have been taken into trust, for class II gaming
or class III gaming (as those terms are defined in section 4
of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2703)).
(2) Thinning; landscape restoration.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior, in
consultation and coordination with the Tribe, may carry out
on the trust land any fuel reduction and other landscape
restoration activities that are beneficial to the Tribe and
the Bureau of Land Management, including the restoration of
threatened or endangered species habitat.
(B) Conservation benefits.--Activities carried out under
subparagraph (A) include activities that provide conservation
benefits to a species that--
(i) is not listed as endangered or threatened under section
4(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1533(c)); but
(ii) is--
(I) listed by a State as a threatened or endangered
species;
(II) a species of concern or special status species; or
(III) a candidate for a listing as an endangered or
threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(f) Water Rights.--Nothing in this section affects the
allocation, ownership, interest, or control, as in existence
on the date of enactment of this Act, of any water, water
right, or any other valid existing right held by the United
States, an Indian Tribe, a State, or a person.
(g) Rule of Construction.--Except as explicitly provided,
nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict Tribal
use of lands identified in this section.
Subtitle C--Resolution of Burbank Canyons Wilderness Study Area
SEC. 131. ADDITION TO NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION
SYSTEM.
(a) Designation.--In furtherance of the purposes of the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the approximately
12,392 acres of Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land
Management, as generally depicted on the Map as ``Burbank
Canyons Wilderness'' is designated as wilderness and as a
component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to
be known as the ``Burbank Canyons Wilderness''.
(b) Boundary.--The boundary of any portion of the
Wilderness that is bordered by a road shall be not less than
100 feet from the centerline of the road to allow public
access.
(c) Map and Legal Description.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall prepare
a map and legal description of the Wilderness.
(2) Effect.--The map and legal description prepared under
paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this title, except that the Secretary concerned
may correct any minor error in the map or legal description.
(3) Availability.--A copy of the map and legal description
prepared under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available
for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the
Bureau of Land Management.
(d) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Wilderness is withdrawn from--
(1) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under
the public land laws;
(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(3) disposition under all laws relating to mineral and
geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
SEC. 132. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Management.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Wilderness shall be administered by the Secretary concerned
in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et
seq.), except that--
(1) any reference in that Act to the effective date shall
be considered to be a reference to the date of enactment of
this Act; and
(2) any reference in that Act to the Secretary of
Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the
Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Livestock.--The grazing of livestock in the Wilderness,
if established before the date of enactment of this Act,
shall be allowed to continue, subject to such reasonable
regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary
concerned considers to be necessary in accordance with--
(1) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1133(d)(4)); and
(2) the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of the report of
the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of
Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress
(House Report 101-405).
(c) Incorporation of Acquired Land and Interests.--Any land
or interest in land within the boundaries of the Wilderness
that is acquired by the United States after the date of
enactment of this Act shall be added to, and administered as
part of, the Wilderness.
(d) Adjacent Management.--
(1) In general.--Congress does not intend for the
designation of the Wilderness to create a protective
perimeter or buffer zone around the Wilderness.
(2) Nonwilderness activities.--The fact that nonwilderness
activities or uses can be seen or heard from areas within the
Wilderness shall not preclude the conduct of the activities
or uses outside the boundary of the Wilderness.
(e) Military Overflights.--Nothing in this title restricts
or precludes--
(1) low-level overflights of military aircraft over the
Wilderness, including military overflights that can be seen
or heard within the wilderness area;
(2) flight testing and evaluation; or
(3) the designation or creation of new units of special use
airspace, or the establishment of military flight training
routes, over the Wilderness.
(f) Existing Airstrips.--Nothing in this title restricts or
precludes low-level overflights by aircraft utilizing
airstrips in existence on the date of enactment of this Act
that are located within 5 miles of the proposed boundary of
the Wilderness.
(g) Wildfire, Insect, and Disease Management.--In
accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16
U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)), the Secretary concerned may take any
measures in the Wilderness that the Secretary concerned
determines to be necessary for the control of fire, insects,
and diseases, including, as the Secretary concerned
determines to be appropriate, the coordination of the
activities with the State or a local agency.
(h) Data Collection.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act
(16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and subject to such terms and
conditions as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, the
Secretary concerned may authorize the installation and
maintenance of hydrologic, meteorologic, or climatological
collection devices in the Wilderness if the Secretary
concerned determines that the facilities, and access to the
facilities, are essential to flood warning, flood control, or
water reservoir operation activities.
(i) Water Rights.--
(1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(A) the Wilderness is located--
(i) in the semiarid region of the Great Basin; and
(ii) at the headwaters of the streams and rivers on land
with respect to which there are few, if any--
(I) actual or proposed water resource facilities located
upstream; and
(II) opportunities for diversion, storage, or other uses of
water occurring outside the land that would adversely affect
the wilderness values of the land;
(B) the Wilderness is generally not suitable for use or
development of new water resource facilities; and
(C) because of the unique nature of the Wilderness, it is
possible to provide for proper management and protection of
the wilderness and other values of land by means different
from the means used in other laws.
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to protect
the wilderness values of the Wilderness by means other than a
federally reserved water right.
(3) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this title--
(A) constitutes an express or implied reservation by the
United States of any water or water rights with respect to
the Wilderness;
(B) affects any water rights in the State (including any
water rights held by the United States) in existence on the
date of enactment of this Act;
(C) establishes a precedent with regard to any future
wilderness designations;
(D) affects the interpretation of, or any designation made
under, any other Act; or
(E) limits, alters, modifies, or amends any interstate
compact or equitable apportionment decree that apportions
water among and between the State and other States.
(4) Nevada water law.--The Secretary concerned shall follow
the procedural and substantive requirements of State law in
order to obtain and hold any water rights not in existence on
the date of enactment of this Act with respect to the
Wilderness.
(5) New projects.--
(A) Definition of water resource facility.--
(i) In general.--In this paragraph, the term ``water
resource facility'' means irrigation and pumping facilities,
reservoirs, water conservation works, aqueducts, canals,
ditches, pipelines, wells, hydropower projects, transmission
and other ancillary facilities, and other water diversion,
storage, and carriage structures.
(ii) Exclusion.--In this paragraph, the term ``water
resource facility'' does not include a wildlife guzzler.
(B) Restriction on new water resource facilities.--Except
as otherwise provided in this title, on or after the date of
enactment of this Act, neither the President nor any other
officer, employee, or agent of the United States shall
[[Page H5590]]
fund, assist, authorize, or issue a license or permit for the
development of any new water resource facility within any
wilderness area, including a portion of a wilderness area,
that is located in the County.
SEC. 133. FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT.
(a) In General.--In accordance with section 4(d)(7) of the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(7)), nothing in this title
affects or diminishes the jurisdiction of the State with
respect to fish and wildlife management, including the
regulation of hunting, fishing, and trapping, in the
Wilderness.
(b) Management Activities.--In furtherance of the purposes
and principles of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et
seq.), the Secretary concerned may conduct any management
activities in the Wilderness that are necessary to maintain
or restore any fish or wildlife population, or the habitats
to support such a population, if the activities are carried
out--
(1) in a manner that is consistent with relevant wilderness
management plans; and
(2) in accordance with--
(A) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(B) appropriate policies, such as those set forth in
Appendix B of the report of the Committee on Interior and
Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying
H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101-405),
including the occasional and temporary use of motorized
vehicles and aircraft if the use, as determined by the
Secretary concerned, would promote healthy, viable, and more
naturally distributed wildlife populations that would enhance
wilderness values with the minimal impact necessary to
reasonably accomplish those tasks.
(c) Existing Activities.--Consistent with section 4(d)(1)
of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)) and in
accordance with appropriate policies such as those set forth
in Appendix B of the report of the Committee on Interior and
Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying
H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101-405), the
State may continue to use aircraft, including helicopters, to
survey, capture, transplant, monitor, and provide water for
wildlife populations in the Wilderness.
(d) Cooperative Agreement.--
(1) In general.--The State (including a designee of the
State) may conduct wildlife management activities in the
Wilderness--
(A) in accordance with the terms and conditions specified
in the cooperative agreement between the Secretary of the
Interior and the State entitled ``Memorandum of Understanding
between the Bureau of Land Management and the Nevada
Department of Wildlife Supplement No. 9'' and signed November
and December 2003, including any amendments to the
cooperative agreement agreed to by the Secretary of the
Interior and the State; and
(B) subject to all applicable laws (including regulations).
(2) References.--For the purposes of this subsection, any
reference to ``Douglas County'' in the cooperative agreement
described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be considered to be a
reference to the Wilderness.
SEC. 134. RELEASE OF WILDERNESS STUDY AREA.
(a) Finding.--Congress finds that, for purposes of section
603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the approximately 1,065 acres of public
land in the Burbank Canyons Wilderness study area not
designated as wilderness by this title has been adequately
studied for wilderness designation.
(b) Release.--Any public land described in subsection (a)
that is not designated as wilderness by this title--
(1) is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c));
and
(2) shall be managed in accordance with any applicable--
(A) land management plans adopted under section 202 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1712); and
(B) cooperative conservation agreements in existence on the
date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 135. NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS USES.
Nothing in this title alters or diminishes the treaty
rights of any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 5304)).
Subtitle D--Convey Forest Service Land for Public Purposes
SEC. 141. AUTHORITY OF FOREST SERVICE TO CONVEY TO STATE OR
COUNTY FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES.
(a) In General.--Consistent with section 3(b) of Public Law
96-586 (commonly known as the ``Santini-Burton Act''; 94
Stat. 3381), and subject to valid existing rights, on receipt
of a request by the State or County and subject to such terms
and conditions as are satisfactory to the Secretary of
Agriculture, the Secretary shall convey the Forest Service
land or interests in Forest Service land described in
subsection (b) to the State or County, without consideration,
to protect the environmental quality and public recreational
use of the conveyed Forest Service land and manage consistent
with Public Law 96-586 (commonly known as the ``Santini-
Burton Act'' 94 Stat. 3381).
(b) Description of Land.--The land referred to in
subsection (a) is any Forest Service land that is located
within the boundaries of the area acquired under Public Law
96-586 (commonly known as the ``Santini-Burton Act''; 94
Stat. 3381) that is--
(1) unsuitable for Forest Service administration; and
(2) necessary for a public purpose.
(c) Use of Land.--A parcel of land conveyed pursuant to
subsection (a) shall--
(1) be managed by the State or County, as applicable--
(A) to maintain undeveloped open space and to preserve the
natural characteristics of the transferred land in
perpetuity; and
(B) to protect and enhance water quality, stream
environment zones, and important wildlife habitat; and
(2) be used by the State or County, as applicable, for
recreation or other public purposes including trails,
trailheads, fuel reduction, flood control, and other
infrastructure consistent with Public Law 96-586 (commonly
known as the ``Santini-Burton Act''; 94 Stat. 3381).
(d) Reversion.--If a parcel of land transferred under
subsection (a) is used in a manner that is inconsistent with
subsection (c) or Public Law 96-586, the parcel of land
shall, at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture,
revert to the United States.
(e) Costs.--Any costs associated with the conveyance under
subsection (a), including, but not limited to, costs of
surveys, appraisal, environmental response and restoration,
and administrative costs including closing fees, shall be
paid by the State or county.
(f) Easements.--As a condition of conveyance of the land
conveyed under subsection (a), access easements for roads and
trails shall be reserved in the deed at the discretion of the
Secretary of Agriculture.
(g) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
land to be conveyed shall be determined by a survey
satisfactory to the Secretary of Agriculture.
(h) Minor Errors.--The Secretary and the State or county
may, by mutual agreement, make minor boundary adjustments to
the parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection
(a) and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage
estimate, or legal description.
(i) Additional Terms and Conditions.--With respect to the
conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture
may require such additional terms and conditions as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the
interests of the United States.
SEC. 142. SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS FOR RECREATION AND OTHER
PURPOSES.
(a) Issuance of Special Use Authorizations.--To the extent
practicable, not later than 1 year after the date on which
the Secretary of Agriculture receives a proposal and an
application from the County or a unit of local government in
the County for the use of the Federal land described in
subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture, in accordance
with applicable law, shall--
(1) process the proposal and application of the County or
unit of local government for a special use permit for
recreation or other purposes; and
(2) if the proposal is accepted and the application is
granted, authorize a permit consistent with applicable law
for the use of the Federal land.
(b) Description of Land.--The Federal land referred to in
subsection (a) is the approximately 188 acres of Federal land
in the County generally depicted as ``Directed Special Use
Permit'' on the Map.
(c) Terms and Conditions.--With respect to any special use
permit issued under subsection (a), the Secretary of
Agriculture may require such terms and conditions as the
Secretary of Agriculture determines to be appropriate--
(1) to protect the interests of the United States; and
(2) to ensure compliance with applicable laws (including
regulations) and agency directives.
TITLE II--INCLINE VILLAGE FIRE PROTECTION
SEC. 201. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this title is to improve hazardous fuels
management and enhance public recreation through the
conveyance of Federal land to Incline Village General
Improvement District in Nevada for public purposes.
SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(2) District.--The term ``District'' means the Incline
Village General Improvement District in the State of Nevada.
SEC. 203. LAND CONVEYANCES FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES.
(a) Authorization of Conveyance.--In consideration of the
District assuming from the United States all liability for
administration, care and maintenance, within 365 days after
the effective date of this title, the Secretary shall convey
to the District all right, title, and interest of the United
States in and to the parcels of Federal land described in
subsection (b) for public uses including fire risk reduction
activities, public recreation, and any other public purpose
consistent with Public Law 96-586 (commonly known as the
``Santini-Burton Act''; 94 Stat. 3381).
(b) Description of Federal Land.--The Federal land referred
to in subsection (a) is depicted on the map entitled
``Incline Village Fire Protection Act Map'' and dated
November 12, 2024.
(c) Costs.--Any costs relating to the conveyance authorized
under subsection (c), including, but not limited to costs of
surveys, appraisal, environmental response and restoration,
and administrative costs including closing fees, shall be
paid by the District.
(d) Payment of Fair Market Value.--As consideration for the
conveyance of the Federal land described in subsection (b),
the District shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to
the fair market value of the covered land, as determined--
(1) in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
(2) based on an appraisal that is conducted in accordance
with--
[[Page H5591]]
(A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisitions; and
(B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(e) Easements.--As a condition of conveyance of the land
conveyed under subsection (a), access easements for roads and
trails shall be reserved in the deed at the discretion of the
Secretary of Agriculture.
(f) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
land to be conveyed shall be determined by a survey
satisfactory to the Secretary of Agriculture.
(g) Minor Errors.--The Secretary in consultation with the
City of Reno may, make minor boundary adjustments to the
parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (a)
and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or
legal description.
(h) Additional Terms and Conditions.--With respect to the
conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture
may require such additional terms and conditions as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the
interests of the United States.
TITLE III--NORTHERN NEVADA FLOOD PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT
SEC. 301. PURPOSE.
This purpose of this title is to convey certain Federal
land along the Truckee River in Nevada to the Truckee River
Flood Management Authority for the purpose of environmental
restoration and flood control management.
SEC. 302. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior, including the Bureau of Land Management and
the Bureau of Reclamation.
(2) TRFMA.--The term ``TRFMA'' means the Truckee River
Flood Management Authority in the State of Nevada.
SEC. 303. LAND CONVEYANCES FOR FLOOD PROTECTION.
(a) Authorization of Conveyance.--At the request of the
TRFMA, the Secretary shall convey to the TRFMA without
consideration all right, title, and interest of the United
States in and to the parcels of Federal land described in
subsection (b) for the purposes of flood attenuation,
riparian restoration, and protection along the Truckee River
in Nevada. Upon conveyance, TRFMA shall coordinate with the
Bureau of Reclamation and with Storey County, as needed, in
order to provide easements at no cost for access and use to
necessary infrastructure located immediately south of the
Truckee River and Interstate 80.
(b) Description of Federal Land.--The Federal land referred
to in subsection (a) is depicted as ``flood control
conveyances'' on the map entitled ``Northern Nevada Economic
Development and Conservation Act - Conveyance to the Truckee
River Flood Management Authority'' and dated September 20,
2024.
(c) Costs.--Any costs relating to the conveyance authorized
under subsection (c), including any costs for surveys and
other administrative costs, shall be paid by the TRFMA.
(d) Reversion.--If the land conveyed under subsection (a)
is used in a manner inconsistent with subsection (a), the
Federal land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary,
revert to the United States.
TITLE IV--CARSON CITY PUBLIC LANDS CORRECTION
SEC. 401. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means--
(1) the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to land in
the National Forest System; and
(2) the Secretary of the Interior with respect to other
Federal land.
(b) City.--The term ``City'' means Carson City, Nevada.
(c) Carson City Federal Land Collaboration Committee.--The
term ``Carson City Federal Land Collaboration Committee''
means a committee comprised of--
(1) the City Manager;
(2) a designee of the City Manager; and
(3) not more than 3 members appointed by the Carson City
Board of Supervisors to represent areas of Carson City's
government, including the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
Department, the Community Development Department, Property
Management.
SEC. 402. LAND CONVEYANCES.
(a) Conveyance.--Subject to valid existing rights and
notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of section
202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1712), the Secretary shall convey to the City all
right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the
land described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of Land.--The land referred to in
subsection (a) is the approximately 258 acres depicted as
``Lands to Acquire'' on the map entitled ``Carson City OPLMA
Lands'' and September 20, 2024.
(c) Costs.--Any costs relating to the conveyance under
subsection (a), including costs of surveys and administrative
costs, shall be paid by the City.
(d) Payment of Fair Market Value.--As consideration for the
conveyance of the covered land under subsection (a), Carson
City shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the fair
market value of the covered land, as determined--
(1) in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
(2) based on an appraisal that is conducted in accordance
with--
(A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisitions; and
(B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(e) Sale or Lease of Land to Third Parties.--The City may
enter into an agreement to sell, lease, or otherwise convey
all or part of the land described in subsection (b).
(f) Conditions.--The City shall sell the land at fair
market value, and proceeds will be deposited in the account
as described in section 407 of this title.
SEC. 403. CARSON CITY STREET CONNECTOR CONVEYANCE.
(a) Authorization of Conveyance.--The Secretary concerned
shall convey to Carson City all right, title, and interest of
the United States in and to the parcels of Federal land
managed by the Forest Service described in subsection (c) for
expansion of roadway.
(b) Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The conveyance of the covered land under
this section shall be subject to valid existing rights.
(2) Payment of fair market value.--As consideration for the
conveyance of the covered land under this section, Carson
City shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the fair
market value of the covered land, as determined--
(A) in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
(B) based on an appraisal that is conducted in accordance
with--
(i) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisitions; and
(ii) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(c) Description of Federal Land.--The Federal land referred
to in subsection (a) is depicted as ``Proposed Land
Transfer'' on the map entitled ``Carson City OPLMA Lands''
and dated February 28, 2019.
(d) Costs.--Any costs relating to the conveyance authorized
under subsection (a), including, but not limited to costs of
surveys, appraisal, environmental response and restoration,
and administrative costs including closing fees, shall be
paid by the City.
(e) Public Safety Condition.--Within 90 days of the
conveyance authorized under subsection (a), Carson City, in
consultation with the Secretary, shall construct a crosswalk
across South Curry Street to allow for continued access to
the United States Forest Service Carson Ranger District
Office.
(f) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
land to be conveyed shall be determined by a survey
satisfactory to the Secretary of Agriculture.
(g) Minor Errors.--The Secretary and in consultation with
Carson City may, make minor boundary adjustments to the
parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (a)
and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or
legal description.
(h) Additional Terms and Conditions.--With respect to the
conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture
may require such additional terms and conditions as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the
interests of the United States.
SEC. 404. AMENDMENT TO REVERSIONARY INTERESTS.
(a) Sale or Lease of Land to Third Parties.--Section
2601(b)(4) of Public Law 111-11 (123 Stat. 1111) is amended
by inserting after subparagraph (D), the following:
``(E) Sale or lease of land to third parties.--The City may
enter into an agreement to sell, lease, or otherwise convey
all or part of the land described in subparagraph (D) to
third parties for economic development, recreation or other
public purposes consistent with the Act of June 14, 1926
(commonly known as the `Recreation and Public Purposes Act')
(43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).''.
(b) Conditions.--The sale of any land under subsection (a)
shall be for not less than fair market value, and proceeds
will be deposited in the account as described in section 407
of this title.
SEC. 405. DISPOSAL OF FEDERAL LAND.
(a) Disposal.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, subject to valid existing rights and
notwithstanding sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), the
Secretary shall offer the land described in subsection (b)
for sale in accordance with this section.
(b) Description of Land.--The land referred to in
subsection (a) is the approximately 28 acres depicted as
``Lands for BLM Disposal'' on the map entitled ``Carson City
OPLMA Lands'' and dated September 20, 2024.
(c) Method of Sale.--The sale of Federal land under
subsection (a) shall be--
(1) through a competitive bidding process, unless otherwise
determined by the Secretary; and
(2) for not less than fair market value.
(d) Costs.--Any costs relating to the disposal under
subsection (a), including costs of surveys and administrative
costs, shall be paid by the party seeking to purchase such
land.
(e) Conditions.--Upon disposal, the City shall retain--
(1) a public utility easement concurrent with Koontz Lane
and Conti Drive, which provides waterlines and access to the
water tank immediately east of the subject parcels; and
(2) an existing drainage easement for a future detention
basin located on APN 010-152-06 depicted as ``Lands for BLM
Disposal'' on the map entitled ``Carson City OPLMA Lands''
and dated September 20, 2024.
SEC. 406. TRANSFER OF LAND TO THE UNITED STATES.
(a) Conveyance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the City shall convey all right
and title of the land described in subsection (b) to the
Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Description of Land.--The land referred to in
subsection (a) is the approximately 17 acres
[[Page H5592]]
depicted as ``Carson City Lands for Disposal'' on the map
entitled ``Carson City OPLMA Lands'' and dated September 20,
2024.
(c) Disposal.--Subject to valid existing rights and
notwithstanding sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), the
Secretary shall conduct one or more sales of the land
described in subsection (b) to qualified bidders.
(d) Method of Sale.--The sale of Federal land under
subsection (c) shall be--
(1) through a competitive bidding process, unless otherwise
determined by the Secretary; and
(2) for not less than fair market value.
(e) Costs.--
(1) Costs related to disposal.--Any costs relating to the
disposal under subsection (c), including costs of surveys and
administrative costs, shall be paid by the party entering
into the disposal agreement with the Bureau of Land
Management for the land described in subsection (b).
(2) Costs related to conveyance.--Any costs relating to the
conveyance under subsection (a), including costs of surveys
and administrative costs, shall be paid by the City.
(f) Conditions.--Upon disposal, the City shall retain--
(1) access and a public utility easement on APN 010-252-02
for operation and maintenance of a municipal well; and
(2) a public right-of-way for Bennet Avenue.
(g) Hazardous Substances.--The costs of remedial actions
relating to hazardous substances on land acquired by the
United States under this section shall be paid by those
entities responsible for the costs under applicable law.
SEC. 407. DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS.
(a) Disposition of Proceeds.--The proceeds from the sale of
land in accordance with this title, and section 2601(e)(1)(B)
of Public Law 111-11 (123 Stat. 1111(e)(1)(B)) shall be
deposited in a special account in the Treasury of the United
States, to be known as the ``Carson City Special Account'',
which shall be available to the Secretary, without further
appropriation and without fiscal year limitation, for--
(1) the reimbursement of costs incurred by the Secretary in
preparing for the sale of the land described in sections 402,
404, and 405 of this title, and section 2601(d) of Public Law
111-11 (123 Stat. 1111(e)(1)(B)), including--
(A) the costs of surveys and appraisals; and
(B) the costs of compliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and sections 202
and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713);
(2) the conduct of wildlife habitat conservation and
restoration projects, including projects that benefit the
greater sage-grouse in the City;
(3) the development and implementation of comprehensive,
cost-effective, multijurisdictional hazardous fuels reduction
and wildfire prevention and restoration projects in the City;
(4) the acquisition of environmentally sensitive land or
interest in environmentally sensitive land in Carson City,
Nevada;
(5) capital improvements administered by the Bureau of Land
Management and the Forest Service in the City; and
(6) educational activities in the City.
(b) Investment of Special Account.--Amounts deposited into
the Carson City Special Account--
(1) shall earn interest in an amount determined by the
Secretary of the Treasury, based on the current average
market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the
United States of comparable maturities; and
(2) may be expended by the Secretary in accordance with
this section.
(c) Management of Special Account.--The management and
procedures of the Carson City Special Account shall be
determined by an intergovernmental agreement between the City
and the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land
Management.
SEC. 408. POSTPONEMENT; EXCLUSION FROM SALE.
Section 2601(d)(6) of Public Law 111-11 (123 Stat. 1113) is
amended to read as follows:
``(6) Deadline for sale.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of the enactment of the Northern Nevada Economic
Development and Conservation Act of 2026, if there is a
qualified bidder(s) for the land described in subparagraphs
(A) and (B) of paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior
shall offer the land for sale to the highest qualified
bidder.''.
TITLE V--PERSHING COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION
SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Pershing County Economic
Development and Conservation Act''.
SEC. 502. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate.
(2) County.--The term ``County'' means Pershing County,
Nevada.
(3) Eligible land.--The term ``eligible land'' means any
land (including both the surface and mineral estate)
administered by the Director of the Bureau of Land
Management--
(A) that is within the area identified on the Map as
``Checkerboard Lands Resolution Area'' that is designated for
disposal by the Secretary through--
(i) the Winnemucca Consolidated Resource Management Plan;
or
(ii) any subsequent amendment or revision to the management
plan that is undertaken with full public involvement;
(B) as land identified on the Map as ``Additional Lands
Eligible for Disposal''; and
(C) that is not encumbered land.
(4) Encumbered land.--The term ``encumbered land'' means
any land administered by the Director of the Bureau of Land
Management within the area identified on the Map as
``Checkerboard Lands Resolution Area'' that is encumbered by
mining claims, millsites, or tunnel sites.
(5) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map titled ``Pershing
County Checkerboard Lands Resolution'' and dated July 8,
2024.
(6) Qualified entity.--The term ``qualified entity'' means,
with respect to a portion of encumbered land--
(A) the owner of a mining claim, millsite, or tunnel site
located on a portion of the encumbered land on the date of
the enactment of this Act; and
(B) a successor in interest of an owner described in
subparagraph (A).
(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(8) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
(9) Wilderness area.--The term ``Wilderness Area'' means a
wilderness area designated by section 521(a).
SEC. 503. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) since the passage of the Act of July 1, 1862 (12 Stat.
489, chapter 120; commonly known as the ``Pacific Railway Act
of 1862''), under which railroad land grants along the Union
Pacific Railroad right-of-way created a checkerboard land
pattern of alternating public land and privately owned land,
management of the land in the checkerboard area has been a
constant source of frustration for the County government,
private landholders in the County, and the Federal
Government;
(2) management of Federal land in the checkerboard area has
been costly and difficult for the Federal land management
agencies, creating a disincentive to manage the land
effectively;
(3) parcels of land within the checkerboard area in the
County will not vary significantly in appraised value by acre
due to the similarity of highest and best use in the County;
and
(4) consolidation of appropriate land within the
checkerboard area through sales and exchanges for development
and Federal management will--
(A) help improve the tax base of the County; and
(B) simplify management for the Federal Government.
Subtitle A--Land Sales and Exchanges
SEC. 511. SALE OR EXCHANGE OF ELIGIBLE LAND.
(a) Authorization of Conveyance.--Notwithstanding sections
202, 203, 206, and 209 of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713, 1716, 1719), as
soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary, in accordance with this subtitle and any
other applicable law and subject to valid existing rights,
shall conduct sales or exchanges of the eligible land.
(b) Joint Selection Required.--After providing public
notice, before mass appraisal and environmental analysis, the
Secretary and the County shall jointly select parcels of
eligible land to be offered for sale or exchange under
subsection (a).
(c) Method of Sale.--A sale of eligible land under
subsection (a) shall be--
(1) consistent with subsections (d) and (f) of section 203
of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1713);
(2) conducted through a competitive bidding process, under
which adjoining landowners are offered the first option,
unless the Secretary determines there are suitable and
qualified buyers that are not adjoining landowners; and
(3) for not less than fair market value, based on an
appraisal in accordance with subsection (f).
(d) Land Exchanges.--
(1) In general.--An exchange of eligible land under
subsection (a) shall be consistent with subsection 206(a) of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1716).
(2) Equal value exchange.--
(A) In general.--The value of the eligible land and private
land to be exchanged under subsection (a)--
(i) shall be equal; or
(ii) shall be made equal in accordance with subparagraph
(B).
(B) Equalization.--
(i) Surplus of eligible land.--With respect to the eligible
land and private land to be exchanged under subsection (a),
if the value of the eligible land exceeds the value of the
private land, the value of the eligible land and the private
land shall be equalized by--
(I) by the owner of the private land making a cash
equalization payment to the Secretary;
(II) adding private land to the exchange; or
(III) removing eligible land from the exchange.
(ii) Surplus of private land.--With respect to the eligible
land and private land to be exchanged under subsection (a),
if the value of the private land exceeds the value of the
eligible land, the value of the private land and the eligible
land shall be equalized by--
(I) by the Secretary making a cash equalization payment to
the owner of the private land, in accordance with section
206(b) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1716(b));
(II) adding eligible land to the exchange; or
(III) removing private land from the exchange.
(3) Adjacent land.--To the extent practicable, the
Secretary shall seek to enter into agreements with one or
more owners of private land adjacent to the eligible land for
the exchange of the private land for the eligible land, if
the Secretary determines that the exchange would consolidate
Federal land ownership and facilitate improved Federal land
management.
(4) Priority land exchanges.--In acquiring private land
under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to
the acquisition of
[[Page H5593]]
private land in higher value natural resource areas in the
County.
(e) Mass Appraisals.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the
Secretary shall--
(A) conduct a mass appraisal of eligible land to be sold or
exchanged under this section;
(B) prepare a valuation analysis for each land transaction
under this section; and
(C) make available to the public the results of the mass
appraisals conducted under subparagraph (A).
(2) Public inspection and notice.--
(A) Public inspection.--Not later than 30 days before the
date of any sale or exchange of Federal land and non-Federal
land under this act, all final appraisals and appraisal
reviews for the land to be sold or exchanged shall be
available for public review at the office of the State
Director of the Bureau of Land Management in the Nevada State
Office.
(B) Notice.--The Secretary shall make available on the
public website of the Secretary and shall publish in a
newspaper of general circulation in Nevada, a notice that the
appraisals conducted under this act are available for public
inspection.
(3) Use.--The Secretary may use mass appraisals and
evaluation analyses conducted under paragraph (1) to
facilitate exchanges of eligible land for private land.
(4) Applicable law.--The appraisals under paragraph (1)
shall be conducted in accordance with nationally recognized
appraisal standards, including, as appropriate--
(A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisitions; and
(B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(5) Duration.--An appraisal conducted under paragraph (1)
shall remain valid for 5 years after the date on which the
appraisal is approved by the Secretary.
(f) Deadline for Sale or Exchange; Exclusions.--
(1) Deadline.--Not later than 2 years after the date on
which the eligible land is jointly selected under subsection
(b), the Secretary shall offer for sale or exchange the
parcels of eligible land jointly selected under that
subsection.
(2) Postponement or exclusion.--The Secretary or the County
may postpone, or exclude from, a sale or exchange of all or a
portion of the eligible land jointly selected under
subsection (b) for emergency ecological or safety reasons.
(g) Withdrawal.--
(1) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and
mining claims, millsites, and tunnel sites, effective on the
date on which a parcel of eligible land is jointly selected
under subsection (b) for sale or exchange, that parcel is
withdrawn from--
(A) all forms of entry and appropriation under the public
land laws, including the mining laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing
laws.
(2) Termination.--The withdrawal of a parcel of eligible
land under paragraph (1) shall terminate--
(A) on the date of sale or, in the case of exchange, the
conveyance of title of the parcel of eligible land under this
section; or
(B) with respect to any parcel of eligible land selected
for sale or exchange under subsection (c) that is not sold or
exchanged, not later than 2 years after the date on which the
parcel was offered for sale or exchange under this section.
(h) Maps and Legal Descriptions.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize maps and
legal descriptions of the parcels of eligible land to be sold
or exchanged under this section.
(2) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
eligible land to be sold or exchanged under this act shall be
determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary and the
County.
(3) Availability.--The maps and legal descriptions
finalized under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available
for public inspection in appropriate offices of the Bureau of
Land Management.
(4) Corrections.--The Secretary and the County may, by
mutual agreement--
(A) make minor boundary adjustments to the eligible land to
be sold or exchanged under this section; and
(B) correct any minor errors, including clerical and
typographical errors, on the Map or any maps, acreage
estimates, or legal descriptions finalized under this
subsection.
SEC. 512. SALE OF ENCUMBERED LAND.
(a) Authorization of Conveyance.--Notwithstanding sections
202, 203, 206, and 209 of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713, 1716, 1719),
not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of
this Act and subject to valid existing rights held by third
parties, the Secretary shall offer to convey to qualified
entities, for fair market value, the remaining right, title,
and interest of the United States, in and to the encumbered
land.
(b) Costs of Sales to Qualified Entities.--As a condition
of each conveyance of encumbered land under this section, the
qualified entity shall pay all costs related to the
conveyance of the encumbered land, including the costs of
surveys and other administrative costs associated with the
conveyance.
(c) Offer To Convey.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
which the Secretary receives a fair market offer from a
qualified entity for the conveyance of encumbered land, the
Secretary shall accept the fair market value offer.
(2) Appraisal.--Fair market value of the interest of the
United States in and to encumbered land shall be determined
by an appraisal conducted in accordance with the Uniform
Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(d) Conveyance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
acceptance by the Secretary of an offer from a qualified
entity under subsection (c)(1) and completion of a sale for
all or part of the applicable portion of encumbered land to
the highest qualified entity, the Secretary, by delivery of
an appropriate deed, patent, or other valid instrument of
conveyance, shall convey to the qualified entity all
remaining right, title, and interest of the United States in
and to the applicable portion of the encumbered land.
(e) Merger.--Subject to valid existing rights held by third
parties, on delivery of the instrument of conveyance to the
qualified entity under subsection (d), the prior interests in
the locatable minerals and the right to use the surface for
mineral purposes held by the qualified entity under a mining
claim, millsite, tunnel site, or any other Federal land use
authorization applicable to the encumbered land included in
the instrument of conveyance, shall merge with all right,
title, and interest conveyed to the qualified entity by the
United States under this section to ensure that the qualified
entity receives fee simple title to the purchased encumbered
land.
SEC. 513. DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS.
(a) Disposition of Proceeds.--Of the proceeds from the sale
of land under this subtitle--
(1) 5 percent shall be disbursed to the State for use in
the general education program of the State;
(2) 10 percent shall be disbursed to the County for use as
determined through normal County budgeting procedures; and
(3) the remainder shall be deposited in a special account
in the Treasury of the United States, to be known as the
``Pershing County Special Account'', which shall be available
to the Secretary, without further appropriation and without
fiscal year limitations for--
(A) the acquisition of land from willing sellers (including
interests in land) in the County--
(i) within a wilderness area;
(ii) that protects other environmentally significant land;
(iii) that secures public access to Federal land for
hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes; or
(iv) that improves management of Federal land within the
area identified on the Map as ``Checkerboard Lands Resolution
Area''; and
(B) the reimbursement of costs incurred by the Secretary in
preparing for the sale or exchange of land under this
subtitle.
(b) Investment of Special Account.--Any amounts deposited
in the special account established under subsection (a)(3)--
(1) shall earn interest in an amount determined by the
Secretary of the Treasury, based on the current average
market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the
United States of comparable maturities; and
(2) may be expended by the Secretary in accordance with
this section.
(c) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than September 30 of the fifth
fiscal year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and
every 5 fiscal years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit
to the State, the County, and the appropriate congressional
committees a report on the operation of the special account
established under subsection (a)(3) for the preceding 5
fiscal years.
(2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include, for the fiscal year covered by the report--
(A) a statement of the amounts deposited into the special
account;
(B) a description of the expenditures made from the special
account for the fiscal year, including the purpose of the
expenditures;
(C) recommendations for additional authorities to fulfill
the purpose of the special account; and
(D) a statement of the balance remaining in the special
account at the end of the fiscal year.
Subtitle B--Wilderness Areas
SEC. 521. ADDITIONS TO THE NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION
SYSTEM.
(a) Additions.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16
U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the following parcels of Federal land
in the State are designated as wilderness and as components
of the National Wilderness Preservation System:
(1) Cain mountain wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed
by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately
12,339 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Proposed Cain Mountain Wilderness'' and dated February 9,
2017, which, together with the Federal land designated as
wilderness by sections 2905(b)(1)(C) and 2932(a)(1) of Public
Law 117-263, shall be known as the ``Cain Mountain
Wilderness''.
(2) Bluewing wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed by
the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately
24,900 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Proposed Bluewing Wilderness'' and dated February 9, 2017,
which shall be known as the ``Bluewing Wilderness''.
(3) Selenite peak wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed
by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately
22,822 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Proposed Selenite Peak Wilderness'' and dated February 9,
2017, which shall be known as the ``Selenite Peak
Wilderness''.
(4) Mount limbo wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed
by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately
11,855 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Proposed Mt. Limbo Wilderness'' and dated February 9, 2017,
which shall be known as the ``Mount Limbo Wilderness''.
[[Page H5594]]
(5) North sahwave wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed
by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately
13,875 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Proposed North Sahwave Wilderness'' and dated February 9,
2017, which shall be known as the ``North Sahwave
Wilderness''.
(6) Grandfathers wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed
by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately
35,339 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Proposed Grandfathers Wilderness'' and dated February 9,
2017, which shall be known as the ``Grandfathers
Wilderness''.
(7) Fencemaker wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed by
the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately
14,942 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Proposed Fencemaker Wilderness'' and dated February 9,
2017, which shall be known as the ``Fencemaker Wilderness''.
(b) Boundary.--The boundary of any portion of a Wilderness
Area that is bordered by a road shall be 100 feet from the
centerline of the road.
(c) Map and Legal Description.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and
legal description of each Wilderness Area.
(2) Effect.--Each map and legal description prepared under
paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this subtitle, except that the Secretary may
correct clerical and typographical errors in the map or legal
description.
(3) Availability.--Each map and legal description prepared
under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public
inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land
Management.
(4) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Wilderness Areas are withdrawn from--
(A) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under
the public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C) disposition under all laws relating to mineral and
geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
SEC. 522. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Management.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Wilderness Areas shall be administered by the Secretary in
accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.),
except that with respect to the Wilderness Areas--
(1) any reference in that Act to the effective date shall
be considered to be a reference to the date of the enactment
of this Act; and
(2) any reference in that Act to the Secretary of
Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the
Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Livestock.--The grazing of livestock in the Wilderness
Areas, if established before the date of the enactment of
this Act, shall be allowed to continue, subject to such
reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the
Secretary considers to be necessary in accordance with--
(1) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1133(d)(4)); and
(2) the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of the report of
the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of
Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress
(House Report 101-405).
(c) Incorporation of Acquired Land and Interests.--Any land
or interest in land within the boundary of a Wilderness Area
that is acquired by the United States after the date of the
enactment of this Act shall be added to and administered as
part of the Wilderness Area.
(d) Adjacent Management.--
(1) In general.--Congress does not intend for the
designation of the Wilderness Areas to create protective
perimeters or buffer zones around the wilderness areas.
(2) Nonwilderness activities.--The fact that nonwilderness
activities or uses can be seen or heard from areas within a
Wilderness Area shall not preclude the conduct of those
activities or uses outside the boundary of the Wilderness
Area.
(e) Military Overflights.--Nothing in this subtitle
restricts or precludes--
(1) low-level overflights of military aircraft over the
Wilderness Areas, including military overflights that can be
seen or heard within the Wilderness Areas;
(2) flight testing and evaluation; or
(3) the designation or creation of new units of special use
airspace, or the establishment of military flight training
routes, over the Wilderness Areas.
(f) Wildfire, Insect, and Disease Management.--In
accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16
U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)), the Secretary may take such measures in
the Wilderness Areas as are necessary for the control of
fire, insects, and diseases (including, as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate, the coordination of the
activities with a State or local agency).
(g) Climatological Data Collection.--In accordance with the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and subject to such
terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, the
Secretary may authorize the installation and maintenance of
hydrologic, meteorologic, or climatological data collection
devices in the Wilderness Areas if the Secretary determines
that the facilities and access to the facilities are
essential to flood warning, flood control, or water reservoir
operation activities.
(h) Water Rights.--
(1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(A) the Wilderness Areas are located--
(i) in the semiarid region of the Great Basin; and
(ii) at the headwaters of the streams and rivers on land
with respect to which there are few, if any--
(I) actual or proposed water resource facilities located
upstream; and
(II) opportunities for diversion, storage, or other uses of
water occurring outside the land that would adversely affect
the wilderness values of the land;
(B) the Wilderness Areas are generally not suitable for use
or development of new water resource facilities; and
(C) because of the unique nature of the Wilderness Areas,
it is possible to provide for proper management and
protection of the wilderness and other values of land in ways
different from those used in other laws.
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to protect the
wilderness values of the Wilderness Areas by means other than
a federally reserved water right.
(3) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this subtitle--
(A) constitutes an express or implied reservation by the
United States of any water or water rights with respect to
the Wilderness Areas;
(B) affects any water rights in the State (including any
water rights held by the United States) in existence on the
date of the enactment of this Act;
(C) establishes a precedent with regard to any future
wilderness designations;
(D) affects the interpretation of, or any designation made
under, any other Act; or
(E) limits, alters, modifies, or amends any interstate
compact or equitable apportionment decree that apportions
water among and between the State and other States.
(4) Nevada water law.--The Secretary shall follow the
procedural and substantive requirements of State law in order
to obtain and hold any water rights not in existence on the
date of the enactment of this Act with respect to the
Wilderness Areas.
(5) New projects.--
(A) Definition of water resource facility.--
(i) In general.--In this paragraph, the term ``water
resource facility'' means irrigation and pumping facilities,
reservoirs, water conservation works, aqueducts, canals,
ditches, pipelines, wells, hydropower projects, transmission
and other ancillary facilities, and other water diversion,
storage, and carriage structures.
(ii) Exclusion.--In this paragraph, the term ``water
resource facility'' does not include wildlife guzzlers.
(B) Restriction on new water resource facilities.--Except
as otherwise provided in this subtitle, on and after the date
of the enactment of this Act, neither the President nor any
other officer, employee, or agent of the United States shall
fund, assist, authorize, or issue a license or permit for the
development of any new water resource facility within the
Wilderness Areas.
(i) Temporary Telecommunications Device.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in this subtitle prevents the
placement of a temporary telecommunications device for law
enforcement or agency administrative purposes in the Selenite
Peak Wilderness in accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) Additional requirements.--Any temporary
telecommunications device authorized by the Secretary under
paragraph (1) shall--
(A) be carried out in accordance with--
(i) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(ii) all other applicable laws (including regulations);
(B) to the maximum practicable, be located in such a manner
as to minimize impacts on the recreational and other
wilderness values of the area; and
(C) be for a period of not longer than 7 years.
SEC. 523. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT.
(a) In General.--In accordance with section 4(d)(7) of the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(7)), nothing in this
subtitle affects or diminishes the jurisdiction of the State
with respect to fish and wildlife management, including the
regulation of hunting, fishing, and trapping, in the
Wilderness Areas.
(b) Management Activities.--In furtherance of the purposes
and principles of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et
seq.), the Secretary may conduct any management activities in
the Wilderness Areas that are necessary to maintain or
restore fish and wildlife populations and the habitats to
support the populations, if the activities are carried out--
(1) consistent with relevant wilderness management plans;
and
(2) in accordance with--
(A) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(B) appropriate policies, such as those set forth in
Appendix B of the report of the Committee on Interior and
Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying
H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101-405),
including noxious weed treatment and the occasional and
temporary use of motorized vehicles if the use, as determined
by the Secretary, would promote healthy, viable, and more
naturally distributed wildlife populations that would enhance
wilderness values with the minimal impact necessary to
reasonably accomplish those tasks.
(c) Existing Activities.--In accordance with section
4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)) and in
accordance with appropriate policies such as those set forth
in Appendix B of the Committee on Interior and Insular
Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R.
2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101-405), the State
may continue to use aircraft, including helicopters, to
survey, capture, transplant, monitor, and provide water for
wildlife populations.
(d) Wildlife Water Development Projects.--Subject to
subsection (e), the Secretary shall authorize structures and
facilities,
[[Page H5595]]
including existing structures and facilities, for wildlife
water development projects, including guzzlers, in the
Wilderness Areas if--
(1) the structures and facilities will, as determined by
the Secretary, enhance wilderness values by promoting
healthy, viable and more naturally distributed wildlife
populations; and
(2) the visual impacts of the structures and facilities on
the Wilderness Areas can reasonably be minimized.
(e) Cooperative Agreement.--
(1) In general.--The State, including a designee of the
State, may conduct wildlife management activities in the
Wilderness Areas--
(A) in accordance with the terms and conditions specified
in the cooperative agreement between the Secretary and the
State entitled ``Memorandum of Understanding between the
Bureau of Land Management and the Nevada Department of
Wildlife Supplement No. 9'' and signed November and December
2003, including any amendments to the cooperative agreement
agreed to by the Secretary and the State; and
(B) subject to all applicable laws (including regulations).
(2) References.--For the purposes of this subsection, any
references to Pershing County in the cooperative agreement
described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be considered to be a
reference to the Wilderness Areas.
SEC. 524. RELEASE OF WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS.
(a) Finding.--Congress finds that, for the purposes of
section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act
of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the approximately 48,600 acres
of public land in the portions of the China Mountain, Mt.
Limbo, Selenite Mountains, and Tobin Range wilderness study
areas that have not been designated as wilderness by section
521(a) of this subtitle and the portion of the Augusta
Mountains wilderness study area within the County that has
not been designated as wilderness by section 521(a) of this
subtitle have been adequately studied for wilderness
designation.
(b) Release.--The public land described in subsection (a)--
(1) is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c));
and
(2) shall be managed in accordance with the applicable land
use plans adopted under section 202 of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712).
SEC. 525. NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS USES.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this subtitle alters or
diminishes the treaty rights of any Indian tribe (as defined
in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
(b) Cultural Uses.--Nothing in this subtitle precludes the
traditional collection of culturally significant and
medicinal plants in a Wilderness Area for personal,
noncommercial use consistent with the Wilderness Act (16
U.S.C. 1131 et seq.).
TITLE VI--FEDERAL COMPLEX
SEC. 601. FEDERAL COMPLEX.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Interior and
Secretary of Agriculture shall have the authority to
establish on Federal lands identified as ``Federal Complex''
on the map titled ``Proposed Federal Complex'', and dated
January 27, 2020, a Federal complex for--
(1) department agencies and operations for the Bureau of
Land Management and the Forest Service;
(2) the Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Office;
(3) the Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe Headquarters;
(4) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Reno Fish
and Wildlife Office;
(5) the option for the Bureau of Reclamation to house the
Lower Colorado Region Office, Boulder Canyon Operations and
the Lahontan Basin Area Office;
(6) the Bureau of Indian Affairs Western Nevada Agency
Office;
(7) the option for the Forest Service, the Carson Ranger
District Office; and
(8) the option for the Bureau of Land Management, the
Carson City District Office.
(b) Funding Sources.--
(1) Special accounts.--Ten percent of the total amount
deposited in the Federal special accounts established under
titles I, IV, and V of this Act shall be available to the
Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture for
construction of the Federal complex.
(2) Secondary sources.--If the amount made available by
paragraph (1) is insufficient to complete construction of the
Federal complex, the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary
of Agriculture may use other accounts available for the
operation of the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and
Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of
Indian Affairs, and the Forest Service in Nevada to provide
such additional amounts as may be necessary to complete
construction of the Federal complex.
TITLE VII--ELKO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Elko Economic Development
Act''.
SEC. 702. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) City.--The term ``City'' means the City of Elko,
Nevada.
(2) County.--The term ``County'' means Elko County, Nevada.
(3) Federal land identified for the city of elko.--The term
``Federal land identified for the City of Elko'' means the
approximately 644 acres of federally owned land generally
depicted on the map and indicating conveyance to the City of
Elko.
(4) Federal land identified for elko county.--The term
``Federal land identified for Elko County'' means the
approximately 3,475 acres of federally owned land generally
depicted on the map and indicating conveyance to Elko County.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 703. LAND CONVEYANCES TO THE CITY OF ELKO.
(a) Conveyance.--Subject to valid existing rights and at
the request of the City, the Secretary shall convey to the
City, for fair market value, all right, title, and interest
of the United States in and to the Federal land identified
for conveyance to the City of Elko on the map entitled
``Proposed Conveyance to the City of Elko, Nevada'' and dated
November 7, 2024.
(b) Appraisal.--The Secretary shall determine fair market
value of the Federal land identified for the City of Elko in
accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701) and based on an appraisal conducted in
accordance with--
(1) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisition; and
(2) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(c) Costs.--As a condition of the conveyance of the Federal
land identified for the City of Elko under subsection (a),
the City shall pay--
(1) an amount equal to the appraised value determined in
accordance with subsection (b); and
(2) all costs related to the conveyance, including all
surveys, appraisals, and other administrative costs
associated with the conveyance of the Federal land to the
City.
(d) Disposition of Proceeds.--Any gross proceeds from the
sale, lease, or conveyance of Federal land identified for the
City of Elko under this section shall be deposited into the
special account created by the Southern Nevada Public Lands
Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-263).
SEC. 704. LAND CONVEYANCES TO ELKO COUNTY.
(a) Conveyance.--Subject to valid existing rights and at
the request of the County, the Secretary shall convey to the
County, for fair market value, all right, title, and interest
of the United States in and to the Federal land identified
for Elko County on the map entitled ``Conveyance to Elko
County, Nevada'' and dated October 30, 2024.
(b) Appraisal.--The Secretary shall determine fair market
value of the Federal land identified for Elko County in
accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701) and based on an appraisal conducted in
accordance with--
(1) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisition; and
(2) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(c) Costs.--As a condition of the conveyance of the Federal
land identified for Elko County under subsection (a), the
City shall pay--
(1) an amount equal to the appraised value determined in
accordance with subsection (b); and
(2) all costs related to the conveyance, including all
surveys, appraisals, and other administrative costs
associated with the conveyance of the Federal land to the
City.
(d) Disposition of Proceeds.--Any gross proceeds from the
sale, lease, or conveyance of Federal land under this section
shall be deposited into the special account created by the
Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998 (Public
Law 105-263).
TITLE VIII--FERNLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Fernley Economic
Development Act''.
SEC. 802. LAND CONVEYANCES.
(a) Conveyance.--Subject to valid existing rights and at
the request of the City, the Secretary shall convey to the
City, for fair market value, all right, title, and interest
of the United States in and to the Federal land.
(b) Appraisal.--The Secretary shall determine fair market
value of the Federal land in accordance with the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701) and based
on an appraisal conducted in accordance with--
(1) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisition; and
(2) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(c) Costs.--As a condition of the conveyance of the Federal
land under subsection (a), the City shall pay--
(1) an amount equal to the appraised value determined in
accordance with subsection (b); and
(2) all costs related to the conveyance, including all
surveys, appraisals, and other administrative costs
associated with the conveyance of the Federal land to the
City.
(d) Disposition of Proceeds.--Any gross proceeds from the
sale, lease, or conveyance of Federal land under this section
shall be deposited into the special account created by the
Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998 (Public
Law 105-263).
(e) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) City.--The term ``City'' means the City of Fernley,
Nevada.
(2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Fernley
Economic Development Map'' and dated October 6, 2020.
(3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the
approximately 12,085 acres of federally owned land generally
depicted within ``Fernley Land Conveyance Boundary'' on the
map.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
TITLE IX--CONVEYANCES TO THE CITY OF SPARKS
SEC. 901. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) City.--The term ``City'' means the City of Sparks,
Nevada.
[[Page H5596]]
(2) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Sparks
Public Purpose Conveyances'' and dated April 15, 2020.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 902. CONVEYANCE OF LAND FOR USE AS A PUBLIC CEMETERY.
(a) Conveyance.--Subject to valid and existing rights and
notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of section
202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1712), at the request of the City, the Secretary shall
convey to the City without consideration all right, title,
and interest of the United States in and to the land
described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of Land.--The land referred to in
subsection (a) is the approximately 40 acres of land depicted
as ``Cemetery Conveyance'' on the Map.
(c) Costs.--Any costs relating to the conveyance under
subsection (a), including the costs of surveys and
administrative costs, shall be paid by the City.
(d) Use of Land.--The land conveyed under subsection (a)
shall be used only for a cemetery.
SEC. 903. CONVEYANCE OF LAND FOR USE AS REGIONAL PUBLIC
PARKS.
(a) Conveyance.--Subject to valid and existing rights and
notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of section
202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1712), at the request of the City, the Secretary shall
convey to the City without consideration all right, title,
and interest of the United States in and to the land
described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of Land.--The land referred to in
subsection (a) is the approximately 448.16 acres depicted as
``Golden Eagle Regional Park'' and 266.04 acres depicted as
``Wedekind Regional Park'' on the Map.
(c) Costs.--Any costs relating to the conveyance under
subsection (a), including the costs of surveys and
administrative costs, shall be paid by the City.
(d) Use of Land.--
(1) In general.--The land conveyed under subsection (a)
shall be used only for public parks or other public purposes
consistent with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as
the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (44 Stat. 741,
chapter 578; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
(2) Reversion.--If any portion of the land conveyed under
subsection (a) is used in a manner that is inconsistent with
the use described in paragraph (1), the land shall revert, at
the discretion of the Secretary, to the United States.
TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 1001. ADMINISTRATION OF STATE WATER RIGHTS.
Nothing in this Act affects the allocation, ownership,
interest, or control, as in existence on the date of the
enactment of this Act, of any water, water right, or any
other valid existing right held by the United States, an
Indian Tribe, a State, or a person.
SEC. 1002. AMENDMENT TO CONVEYANCE OF FEDERAL LAND IN STOREY
COUNTY, NEVADA.
Section 3009(d)(1)(B) of division B of the Carl Levin and
Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2015 (128 Stat. 3751) is amended by striking
the period at the end and inserting the following: ``; and
the land generally depicted as `BLM Owned County Request
Transfer' on the map entitled `Restoring Storey County',
dated October 22, 2020.''.
SEC. 1003. MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS.
(a) In General.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall finalize
maps and legal descriptions of all land to be conveyed under
this Act. The maps and legal descriptions shall be on file
and available for public inspection in appropriate offices of
the Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service, as
applicable.
(b) Corrections.--The Secretary concerned and the
recipients of the Federal land to be conveyed under this Act
may, by mutual agreement--
(1) make minor boundary adjustments to the Federal land to
be conveyed; and
(2) correct any minor errors, including clerical and
typographical errors, on the maps, the acreage estimate, or
the legal descriptions.
SEC. 1004. MINOR ERRORS.
The Secretary in consultation with the State of Nevada may
make minor boundary adjustments to the parcels of Federal
land to be conveyed under all titles of this Act and correct
any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or legal
description.
TITLE XI--GREENLINK WEST PROJECT
SEC. 1101. GREENLINK WEST PROJECT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Project.--The term ``Project'' means the Greenlink West
Project described in--
(A) the notice of intent of the Bureau of Land Management
entitled ``Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental
Impact Statement and Potential Resource Management Plan
Amendments for the Greenlink West Project in Clark, Nye,
Esmeralda, Mineral, Lyon, Storey, and Washoe Counties in
Nevada'' (87 Fed. Reg. 25658 (May 2, 2022)); and
(B) the associated administrative record for the Greenlink
West Project numbered DOI-BLM-NV-0000-2022-0004-EIS.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of
Land Management.
(3) Tribe.--The term ``Tribe'' means the Walker River
Paiute Tribe.
(4) Walker lake parcel.--The term ``Walker Lake Parcel''
means the following land in Mineral County, Nevada:
(A) All land held by the Bureau of Land Management in T. 11
N., R. 29 E., secs. 35 and 36, Mount Diablo Meridian.
(B) All land held by the Bureau of Reclamation in T. 10 N.,
R. 30 E., secs. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 16, 17, 20, 21, 28, 29, 32,
and 33, Mount Diablo Meridian.
(C) All land held by the Bureau of Land Management in T.
10.5 N., R. 30 E., secs. 31 and 32, Mount Diablo Meridian.
(b) Project Authorization; Right-of-Way.--If the Walker
Lake Parcel is taken into trust for the benefit of the Tribe
on, before, or after the date of enactment of this Act, the
consent of the Tribe for the use for the Project of the
portion of the Walker Lake Parcel taken into trust shall be
deemed to have been obtained by the Secretary subject to the
following:
(1) The use of the Walker Lake Parcel land for the Project
shall be subject to review under the pending proceeding under
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321
et seq.), which shall be modified--
(A) to reflect the trust title of the Walker Lake Parcel;
and
(B) to address any other laws applicable to rights-of-way
on Tribal land, including any environmental, wildlife,
conservation, historic preservation, and natural resources
laws.
(2) As soon as practicable after the date on which the
Walker Lake Parcel is taken into trust for the benefit of the
Tribe, the Secretary shall approve a right-of-way agreement
between the Tribe and the Project applicant before the
commencement of construction and installation of the Project
to address applicable provisions under part 169 of title 25,
Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations),
including, with respect to compensation paid to the Tribe,
term, amendment, renewal, assignment, access rights,
operation and maintenance, and an annual premium usage fee
consistent with prevailing rates or standards to be paid
directly to the Tribe, subject to the requirement that the
Secretary and the Tribe shall exercise all authority under
applicable law (including regulations) with respect to the
use of, and compliance with, the right-of-way.
TITLE XII--JEAN PRISON TRANSFER
SEC. 1201. RELEASE OF FEDERAL REVERSIONARY LAND INTERESTS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Patent.--The term ``Patent'' means the serial patent
numbered 27-80-0056, dated December 13, 1979, recorded in
Clark County, Nevada, records in book 1178, instrument
1137147 (BLM Serial Number NVN 011732).
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(b) Release.--Subject to valid and existing rights, the
Secretary shall release, convey, or otherwise quitclaim to
the State, in a form recordable in local county records, and
subject to the approval of the State, after consultation, all
right, title, and remaining interest of the United States in
and to the land that was conveyed to the State pursuant to
the Patent or any other law authorizing conveyance subject to
restrictions or reversionary interests retained by the United
States, on request by the State.
(c) Terms and Conditions.--A conveyance authorized by
subsection (b) shall be subject to the following terms and
conditions:
(1) The State shall cover, or reimburse the Secretary for,
the costs incurred by the Secretary to make the conveyance,
including title searches, surveys, deed preparation,
attorneys' fees, and similar expenses.
(2) By accepting the conveyances, the State agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the United States with regard to
any boundary dispute relating to any parcel conveyed under
this section.
(3) The State of Nevada, or its successors in interest,
shall--
(A) manage such lands in accordance with section 47504 of
title 49, United States Code (relating to airport and
regulations promulgated pursuant to that section); and
(B) section 744 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
(Public Law 118-63) as applicable to the development of the
proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Nevada (Mr. Amodei) and the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Elfreth)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nevada.
General Leave
Mr. AMODEI of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2317, as amended, the
bill now under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Nevada?
There was no objection.
Mr. AMODEI of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I guess in continuing on the slow-but-steady progress on
the theme for today, northern Nevada counties are overwhelmingly owned
by the Federal Government, restricting local planners and zoners from
being able to adequately serve and plan for their communities' needs.
In Pershing County, the Federal Government owns 73.3 percent of the
total landmass in the county. The amount of Federal land in Pershing
remains virtually unchanged because this bill has a one-to-one
consolidation of checkerboard land that was done during the
[[Page H5597]]
1800s for railroad construction. It is literally a consolidation of the
checkerboard into two pieces, one private and one public.
In Douglas County, the Federal Government owns 51.9 percent of the
total landmass in the county. This bill conveys 7,777 acres to the
county for flood management purposes and allows for the disposal of no
more than 10,000 acres in the county. This would dispose of only 4.1
percent of Federal land in Douglas County, most of which is for public
purposes.
In Lyon County, the Federal Government owns 64.8 percent of the total
landmass in the county. The bill allows for the disposal of 12,085
acres of Federal land in Lyon County, decreasing the Federal estate in
that particular county by 1.4 percent.
All of the parcels for conveyance, disposal, and wilderness were
identified and requested by local planning and zoning authorities. That
is, in all three cases, the county commissions.
The bill has been wrongly conflated to the lands provisions
originally in last year's reconciliation package. To be clear, this is
not what was considered during the reconciliation. The bill before you
is a holistic package that balances conservation and economic
development priorities for northern Nevada communities and enjoys
bipartisan support in Nevada.
The bill is nearly identical to what was favorably marked up and
reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee in November last
year.
The largest piece of this bill, Pershing County, passed out of the
House Natural Resources Committee way back in the 115th Congress, so it
has been in the mix, if you will, for more than a little while.
Groups in support is a list of groups that you don't always hear
talked about in support of the same thing. All counties, cities, and
Tribes included in the bill not only support it, but the bill consists
of requests from those entities to have these lands put into local
control.
The supporting groups include: Friends of Nevada Wilderness,
Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation
Partnership, Great Basin Wildlife Conservancy, Nevada Bighorns
Unlimited, Nevada Sporting Dog Alliance, Northern Nevada Safari Club
International, Sierra Front Muley Fanatic Foundation, Southern
Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife, Truckee River Flyfishers, National
Mining Association, and the Nevada Farm Bureau.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Agriculture,
Washington, DC, September 8, 2026.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual
understanding regarding H.R. 2317, the ``Northern Nevada
Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2025.'' Thank
you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture on
the matters within our jurisdiction.
The Committee on Agriculture will forgo any further
consideration of this bill. However, by forgoing
consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction
over any subject matter contained in this or similar
legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the
right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of
conferees, should it become necessary, and ask that you
support such a request.
We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming
this understanding with respect to H.R. 2317 and request a
copy of our letters on this matter be published in the
Congressional Record during Floor consideration.
Sincerely,
Glenn ``GT'' Thompson,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Natural Resources,
Washington, DC, September 8, 2026.
Hon. Glenn Thompson,
Chairman, Committee on Agriculture,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thompson: I write regarding H.R. 2317,
``Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act
of 2026,'' which was ordered and reported by the Committee on
Natural Resources on July 15, 2026.
I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall
within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture and
appreciate your willingness to forgo further consideration of
the bill. I acknowledge that the Committee on Agriculture
will not formally consider H.R. 2317 and agree that the
inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not
waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained
therein.
I am pleased to support your request to name members of the
Committee on Agriculture to any conference committee to
consider such provisions. I will ensure that our exchange of
letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration of the bill and will include such letters in
the committee report on H.R. 2317. I appreciate your
cooperation regarding this legislation.
Sincerely,
Bruce Westerman,
Chairman,
Committee on Natural Resources.
{time} 1800
Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2317 is a comprehensive package of conveyances,
conservation designations, and land use authorizations designed to
address a series of public land management issues throughout northern
Nevada.
Representative Amodei has worked for many years on the bill, and his
dedication has earned widespread support throughout the State,
including from Tribes, counties, and local environmental organizations.
By including nearly 150,000 acres of wilderness designation, this
bill genuinely attempts to strike a balance between conservation and
development.
Wilderness designation is reserved for the most remote and
undeveloped areas we have left in this country, and the designations
included in the bill represent the newest Federal land conservation
considered by the House this Congress.
While it is encouraging that we are considering legislation that
includes new conservation designations, this body also has a
responsibility to hold the Trump administration accountable as they try
to sell off our public lands.
Our Nation's natural treasures and public lands are what make our
country great, and the American people do not want to see our great
outdoors sold off or stripped for parts. That is why 12 Democrats voted
against H.R. 2317 in the Natural Resources Committee markup.
As we saw earlier this year from the reconciliation amendment our
committee considered at midnight, the idea of public land sales,
especially at the scale envisioned in this bill, is deeply unpopular
and can lead to destruction of our natural environment for a quick
buck.
In its current form, the bill even includes provisions green-lighting
the sale of public land directly to mining companies. This has
facilitated a broad expansion of mining activity without any Federal
review or guarantee of a fair return for the American taxpayer.
We had worked to resolve those issues before House Republicans
brought the bill to the floor for a vote, but they were not, which
means there is more work to do before this bill can be signed into law.
I understand that this bill is critical for northern Nevada, but we
must get the details right. Public lands belong to all Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. AMODEI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am
prepared to close, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, I wish to engage in a colloquy with the
gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Amodei), who is the sponsor of H.R. 2317.
Mr. AMODEI. Mr. Speaker, I have no objection to engaging in a
colloquy.
Ms. ELFRETH. As the House considers H.R. 2317, the Northern Nevada
Economic Development and Conservation Act, under suspension of the
rules, several Members on our side of the aisle still have outstanding
concerns regarding certain provisions in the legislation. While we
appreciate the strong in-State support for the bill, there are
continuing concerns about the scale of the Federal land conveyances.
Specifically, Members want assurances that there is a fair balance and
the conveyances do not tip the scales in favor of extraction and
excessive public land transfer.
Can the gentleman from Nevada commit to continuing to work in good
faith with us, and with our colleagues in the Senate, to address these
concerns and support necessary amendments to the bill as it moves
through the legislative process?
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Amodei).
Mr. AMODEI. The gentlewoman has, for purposes of the record, my
commitment to do exactly that.
[[Page H5598]]
Ms. ELFRETH. I appreciate that. I think that is exactly what the
American people expect of us.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's clear commitment to
addressing these issues and refining the bill in the Senate. With that
understanding, I thank him for his leadership and collaboration, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. AMODEI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Williams of Texas). The question is on
the motion offered by the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Amodei) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2317, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________