Amodei Reintroduces Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act

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Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Amodei issued the following statement following the reintroduction of the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act, which will allow for the conveyance and disposal of federal lands in Douglas County, Pershing County, Carson City, Elko County, the City of Fernley, the City of Sparks, and the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVIGD) for public purposes and economic development. It also designates approximately 148,000 acres of wilderness in Pershing and Douglas Counties. 
 
Additionally, Rep. Mark Amodei also introduced the Ruby Mountains Protection Act, which would remove the possibility of oil and gas leasing in over 300,000 acres of the Ruby Mountains of eastern Nevada.
 
“The Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act showcases the continuous effort to unlocking the potential of Nevada—whether that is creating space for more homes to tackle the rising cost of living, driving economic growth, or expanding recreational areas where residents can enjoy our state’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Mark Amodei.
 
“I’m thankful to all the local stakeholders, community members, and tribal leaders, who know these lands best, for working diligently with me in this process to ensure their voices are heard in how we manage these lands. While pushing forward a comprehensive land package that balances development with conservation has been an uphill battle no doubt, I’m confident and determined that we’ll secure a win for Nevada in this Congress.”
 
Background
The previous iteration of this bill was introduced in the 117th and 118th Congresses. It received a markup in November 2024, and was favorably reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee. The reintroduction of this bill restores the wilderness and conservation provisions of Douglas and Pershing counties, which are supported locally and by the elected county commissions.
 
Douglas County:

• Transfers approximately 67 acres to the State of Nevada to be used for state parks.
• Conveys approximately 7,777 acres to Douglas County for flood management and public purposes.
• Allows for public sale of up to 60 acres within 1 year of enactment and facilitates long-term joint selection of land through the BLM planning process between Douglas County and the Secretary.
• Allows no more 10,000 acres of land identified in the existing Carson City RMP to be sold.
• Directs special use permits for 188 acres for critical flood protection and water infrastructure sites.
• Conveys approximately 1,084 acres to Douglas County to be used for open space.

 
Incline Village:

• Conveys 2 parcels totaling approximately 14 acres to the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) for public uses.

 
Truckee River Flood Management:

• Conveys 4 parcels totaling approximately 534 acres to the Truckee River Flood Management Authority (TRFMA) for flood attenuation, riparian restoration, and protection.

 
Jean Prison:

• Transfers the reversionary interest of the Jean Prison site, approx. 480 acres, which will allow for the land to be repurposed for economic development.

 
Carson City:

• Conveys approximately 211 acres of BLM land to Carson City for public purposes, flood management, and economic development.
• Removes reversionary interests on 3 parcels already held by Carson City to allow for economic development.
• Allows for disposal of approximately 17.45 acres of Carson City land for future residential development.
• Conveys approximately 0.45 acres of USFS land to Carson City to be used for a roundabout connecting South Stewart Street and South Curry Street.

 
Pershing County:

• Establishes the Checkerboard Resolution Area in Pershing County and authorizes the sale or exchange of lands previously identified for disposal by the BLM in a streamlined manner. This encompasses approximately 356,100 acres of land to be exchanged at a 1:1 ratio.
• Authorizes the sale of the surface estate to an owner of a mining claim, a mill site, or a tunnel site that exists in the Checkerboard Resolution Area on the date of enactment for fair market value.
• This bill previously passed through the House of Representatives by unanimous consent in the 115th Congress.

 
Elko County and City of Elko:

• Transfers approx. 644 acres to the City of Elko for housing development. The lands surround existing housing subdivision, and will help alleviate the housing shortage in Elko.
• Transfers approx. 3,500 acres to Elko County for housing development, expansion of lands surrounding the town of Jackpot, and expansion of a shooting range.

 
City of Fernley:

• Conveys approximately 12,085 acres of federal land, for fair market value, to the City of Fernley for economic development.

 
City of Sparks:

• Conveys approximately 40 acres to the City of Sparks to be used for a cemetery.
• Conveys approximately 714 acres to the City of Sparks to be used for public parks.