Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 972, the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act, introduced by the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus). This bill would expand the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and authorize the Horizon Lateral water pipeline.

The Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area contains over 48,000 acres of the Mojave Desert, including petroglyphs, wilderness areas, and a variety of key wildlife species. The national conservation area forms the mountainous southern edge of Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.

Representative Titus' bill balances conservation with the needs of the growing Las Vegas community. Under this proposal, the footprint of the national conservation area would grow by nearly 20 percent, while a portion of the Southern Nevada Water Authority's Horizon Lateral water pipeline would be granted a right-of- way to tunnel underneath the conservation area.

After years of study and engagement with local stakeholders, the water authority determined this would be the safest, most effective, and least disruptive route for a key source of water in the Las Vegas Valley.

This legislation will create new opportunities for outdoor recreation and protect unique desert habitats, all while increasing water reliability for over a million southern Nevadans.

Having access to clean water is vital for communities to thrive. Those of us here in Congress know all too well how challenging it can be to ensure that happens in the face of changing populations and a changing climate.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. HERNANDEZ. Titus), the sponsor of the bill.

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Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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