Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2026 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 2317
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2317Government buildings, facilities, and propertyWilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats
Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2026
INTRO MAR 25· LAST ACTION SEP 15
READING
82MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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Voters should care about this bill because it significantly reshapes the landscape and future development of large parts of Northern Nevada. If it becomes law, it could lead to new economic opportunities by making federal land available for development, potentially creating jobs and increasing the local tax base. Simultaneously, it would protect specific natural areas by designating them as wilderness, preserving them for wildlife and recreational enjoyment.
If this bill doesn't become law, the status quo of federal land ownership and management would largely remain, potentially slowing down certain economic development projects and leaving some natural areas without specific wilderness protections. The bill also has direct impacts on public services by transferring land for fire stations, flood control, and parks, which could improve community infrastructure and quality of life. It also addresses specific needs of Native American tribes and major infrastructure projects, making it a comprehensive legislative package for the region.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Transfers various federal lands to the State of Nevada, Douglas County, and the Washoe Tribe.
Allows local and tribal governments to use federal land for public parks, infrastructure, cultural resources, and community services.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes the sale or exchange of certain federal lands in areas like Douglas, Carson City, Pershing, Elko, and Fernley counties for economic development.
Could stimulate local economies by making land available for new businesses, housing, or other development projects.
PROVISION 03
Designates new wilderness areas, such as Burbank Canyons (Douglas County) and areas in Pershing County, adding them to the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Protects important natural habitats and scenic landscapes for conservation, wildlife, and recreational use.
PROVISION 04
Releases other wilderness study areas from consideration, meaning they will not become federally protected wilderness.
Frees up these lands for other uses, including potential development, resource extraction, or recreation that might be restricted in wilderness areas.
PROVISION 05
Provides for land conveyances for specific public services like fire protection in Incline Village, flood protection in Northern Nevada, and a public cemetery and parks in Sparks.
Directly supports community infrastructure and services, improving public safety and quality of life for residents.
Voters should care about this bill because it significantly reshapes the landscape and future development of large parts of Northern Nevada. If it becomes law, it could lead to new economic opportunities by making federal land available for development, potentially creating jobs and increasing the local tax base. Simultaneously, it would protect specific natural areas by designating them as wilderness, preserving them for wildlife and recreational enjoyment.
If this bill doesn't become law, the status quo of federal land ownership and management would largely remain, potentially slowing down certain economic development projects and leaving some natural areas without specific wilderness protections. The bill also has direct impacts on public services by transferring land for fire stations, flood control, and parks, which could improve community infrastructure and quality of life. It also addresses specific needs of Native American tribes and major infrastructure projects, making it a comprehensive legislative package for the region.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Transfers various federal lands to the State of Nevada, Douglas County, and the Washoe Tribe.
Allows local and tribal governments to use federal land for public parks, infrastructure, cultural resources, and community services.
high
Authorizes the sale or exchange of certain federal lands in areas like Douglas, Carson City, Pershing, Elko, and Fernley counties for economic development.
Could stimulate local economies by making land available for new businesses, housing, or other development projects.
high
Designates new wilderness areas, such as Burbank Canyons (Douglas County) and areas in Pershing County, adding them to the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Protects important natural habitats and scenic landscapes for conservation, wildlife, and recreational use.
med
Releases other wilderness study areas from consideration, meaning they will not become federally protected wilderness.
Frees up these lands for other uses, including potential development, resource extraction, or recreation that might be restricted in wilderness areas.
med
Provides for land conveyances for specific public services like fire protection in Incline Village, flood protection in Northern Nevada, and a public cemetery and parks in Sparks.
Directly supports community infrastructure and services, improving public safety and quality of life for residents.
GLOSSARY
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Federal Land
Land owned and managed by the United States government, often by agencies like the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service.
Conveyance
The legal transfer of ownership of land from one party to another, such as from the federal government to a state or county.
Economic Development
Activities aimed at improving the economic well-being and quality of life for a community, often by attracting businesses, creating jobs, or developing infrastructure.
Wilderness Area
A federally designated area of undeveloped land protected by law, preserving its natural condition for conservation, recreation, and scientific purposes, with limited human impact.
Trust Land
Land held in a special legal arrangement by the federal government for the benefit of a Native American tribe, meaning the tribe is the beneficial owner, but the government holds the title.
Reversionary Interest
A legal right of a previous owner to retake possession of property if certain conditions are not met by the current owner. The bill proposes releasing some of these federal rights.
Public Purposes
ACTION TIMELINE
20 EVENTS
SEP 15
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
INTROREFERRAL
SEP 14
Mr. Amodei (NV) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
FLOOR
SEP 14
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5586-5598)
FLOOR
SEP 14
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2317.
Uses of land or resources that benefit the general public, such as parks, schools, roads, or infrastructure.
Wilderness Study Area
Federal land that has been identified as potentially suitable for wilderness designation and is managed to preserve its wilderness characteristics until Congress decides its final status.
