Heller Statement on U.S. House Passage of Pershing County Lands Bill

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives' approval of the Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act, legislation aimed at providing new opportunities for economic development throughout the county while promoting conservation. Heller introduced the Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act in the U.S. Senate and Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I applaud Rep. Amodei's leadership in the House of Representatives on this important legislation, which is truly the product of an inclusive, grassroots-driven, public process," said Heller. "Not only does this bill protect Nevada's landscape, it also boosts economic development and preserves Nevada's way of life by increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation. I am calling on the Senate to move swiftly on this important legislation to secure the economic future of Pershing County."

Background:

On February 1st, 2017, the Pershing County Commission passed a resolution urging the Nevada Congressional Delegation to re-introduce and advance the Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act.

The legislation is comprised of three key components:

An innovative solution to resolve the complicated land management issue of checkerboard lands, including the disposal and exchange of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the county for economic development and public purposes.
The conservation of certain areas already managed by the BLM land in the county.
The release of the selected wilderness study areas, currently managed as by the BLM as wilderness, back into multiple-use.

Source