Thursday, April 11, 2013

SB 229 "Save Tahoe Bill" Passes Committee

Earlier today, we discussed the ongoing saga over the fate of Lake Tahoe and the regulatory agency (TRPA) that protects it. In March, SB 229 was introduced to repeal SB 271, the bill passed in 2011 that allows Nevada to withdraw from TRPA if it "goes too far" in protecting Lake Tahoe from overdevelopment and other forms of environmental harm. And today, SB 229 also had its ultimate day in committee.

Just minutes ago, the Senate Natural Resources Committee voted 3-2 in favor of SB 229. Senators James Settlemeyer (R-Minden) and Pete Goicoechea (R-Eureka) voted against SB 229. Meanwhile, Senators Aaron Ford (D-Spring Valley), Mark Manendo (D-Paradise), and Tick Segerblom (D-Las Vegas) all voted in favor.

So SB 229 passed committee, and it's now going to the full Senate.

So what happens next? We're not quite sure yet. There may be enough votes in the Senate to pass SB 229. And there may even be enough votes in the Assembly. However, Governor Brian Sandoval (R) has recently reiterated his support for 2011's SB 271... Which means he opposes 2013's SB 229.

But at least for now, SB 229 will live to see another day.

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