Nevada Senator Harry today welcomed the Senate Energy Committee's approval of his bill to block a round-the-clock gravel operation that has been proposed for a site near established Henderson neighborhoods. The bill would withdraw 800 acres of land near Sloan Hills to make sure no part of that land will ever be used for projects like the proposed gravel pit. Reid introduced the bill at the request of thousands of local residents who contacted him in opposition to the project and are worried about the health and safety impacts of the proposed open-pit operation. At the recommendation of the Bureau of Land Management, the protected area has been expanded from 640 acres to 800 acres to further safeguard the surrounding residential communities.
"This bill is vital to protect families in Henderson and I am pleased that it is moving quickly through the Senate," said Reid. "The members of the Senate Energy Committee know that this is a priority for me and for the people of southern Nevada. I appreciate their assistance as we work to protect Henderson's families from a round-the-clock gravel pit that would be just a stone's throw from established neighborhoods."