Ensign, Reid Urge Passage of White Pine County Lands Bill

ENSIGN, REID URGE PASSAGE OF WHITE PINE COUNTY LANDS BILL

Senator John Ensign told a Senate committee today that a bipartisan public lands bill for White Pine County, written by Ensign and Senator Harry Reid, would provide tremendous benefits to Nevada and that the money generated from the bill should remain in the state for the good of the people of White Pine County. Ensign and Reid testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today. The White Pine County Land Bill was written in cooperation with local governments, conservationists, hunters, citizens, federal agencies, individuals, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

"This bill will be a tremendous victory for the residents of White Pine County and all of Nevada," said Ensign, whose great grandparents settled in the county more than 100 years ago. "It finds a balance with all groups involved. It gives economic opportunity to the residents of White Pine County and preserves Eastern Nevada's stunning landscapes. Also, this bill reduces fire hazards around Lake Tahoe and the Spring Mountains, helps purify Lake Mead's water, promotes water conservation, and provides more affordable housing throughout our state."

Ensign also addressed critics of the legislation who seek to have the money from the White Pine land sales directed to the federal Treasury. Ensign has successfully fought off similar efforts in the past.

"If it was not for the Nevada Congressional delegation taking the initiative to write these lands bills, we would not have, for example $300 million at Lake Tahoe to do restoration work on federal lands," Ensign argued. "I ask that you not penalize Nevadans for finding innovative ways to improve our public lands. Other Western states should follow the example we have set in Nevada and write their own bills."

http://ensign.senate.gov/media/pressapp/record.cfm?id=265986&&