Amodei, Nevada Delegation, & Rep. Garamendi Introduce Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) today announced the introduction of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act, along with original cosponsors: Reps. Dina Titus (NV-01), Susie Lee (NV-03), Steven Horsford (NV-04), and John Garamendi (CA-03). The legislation reauthorizes $415 million in funding through September 30, 2034 to reduce the threat of wildfire, improve water clarity, combat invasive species, and restore the environment in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

"Anyone who has experienced Lake Tahoe's exceptional beauty understands the importance of preserving this national treasure for future generations," said Rep. Amodei. "In order to do so, we must continue making the Lake a priority by responsibly investing in management solutions that will preserve its unique environment, our local economy, and the community's quality of life. Our legislation upholds this federal commitment by continuing to focus on the key priorities that will prevent imminent threats and combat invasive species in the region. I'm proud to once again team up with the entire Nevada Delegation and my colleagues from California on this important bipartisan initiative and look forward to continuing to work together to protect the Tahoe Basin."

"Lake Tahoe is a national treasure and it must be protected for future generations to enjoy and explore," said Rep. Titus. "Preservation of this Jewel of the Sierra and its surrounding environment is also critical to Nevada's economy. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Nevada to conserve our public lands and boost tourism."

"Lake Tahoe is a national environmental treasure and I'm so proud to join the entire Nevada federal delegation in introducing the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act," said Rep. Lee. "The Tahoe Basin is full of stunning scenery, supports a tremendous diversity of wildlife and attracts tourists from around the globe who come to revel in this natural beauty. Not only is Lake Tahoe important to Nevada's natural history, it also supports the Nevada economy. I'm committed to doing everything I can to protect the Tahoe Basin for generations to come."

"Lake Tahoe's stunning landscapes and clear blue water make it one of the world's finest treasures, cherished by Nevadans and tourists alike," said Rep. Horsford. "Our legislation will provide critical funding to increase water clarity, combat invasive species and properly manage the Lake Tahoe Basin. I'm proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to preserve and protect Lake Tahoe for future generations of Nevadans to enjoy."

"Lake Tahoe is a national treasure," said Rep. Garamendi. "Keeping Tahoe blue should be more than a bumper sticker--it should be a priority in Congress. This bill will provide additional federal funding for public projects across the Tahoe Basin desperately needs to stop devastating wildfires with responsible forest management, restore the watersheds by reducing runoff, and combat invasive species. As the House sponsor of the 2016 Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, I am thrilled to again work with my Congressional colleagues to reauthorize federal funding to Keep Tahoe Blue for residents and visitors alike for generations to come."

"The threatened scenic, ecological, and recreational richness of Lake Tahoe is of enormous importance to our communities, the states of Nevada and California, and the nation," said Joanne S. Marchetta, Executive Director of the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. "We applaud the bi-partisan and bi-state support for this legislation that will allow the continued restoration of a national treasure."

"At Lake Tahoe, our economy and environment are inextricably linked," said Steve Teshara, CEO of the Tahoe Chamber of Commerce. "That's why our private sector has been investing in the multi-sector Environmental Improvement Program since it was introduced in the mid 1990s. As the largest landowner in the Tahoe Basin, it is vital for the federal government to continue appropriating its share of the program. We appreciate the leadership of our Tahoe Congressional Delegation and fully support their introduction of legislation to extend the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act."

"For more than six decades, the League to Save Lake Tahoe's mission has been to preserve one of our nation's most awe-inspiring natural treasures. The passage of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Acts of 2000 and 2016 were milestone victories for the Lake and millions of Americans who have a deep connection to this special place," said Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known as Keep Tahoe Blue. "The reauthorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act in 2021 will allow us to finish crucial environmental work left undone, and to Keep Tahoe Blue for generations to come."

BACKGROUND:

The Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act recognizes Lake Tahoe as a national priority by continuing to provide $415 million in funding to improve water clarity, reduce wildfire threats, combat invasive species, and invest in transportation and infrastructure projects through Fiscal Year 2034. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

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