Proposed legislation to extend the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to extend the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act. This Act has served as the cornerstone for federal funding for Lake Tahoe since the original law passed in 2000, helping deliver millions in federal funding for environmental protection and habitat restoration programs.

“Lake Tahoe is a treasure that provides a beautiful refuge for Nevadans to enjoy while boosting our state’s tourism economy,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This legislation has helped fund numerous restoration and conservation projects while supporting local jobs. I’ll keep working across the aisle to make sure we can deliver this funding to the region and help local governments, non-profits, and engaged businesses around the lake to preserve and protect Tahoe for generations to come.”

The annual Lake Tahoe Summit has been held over the past 24 years. This event, led by California and Nevada congressional representatives, brings pledges of their solidarity and commitment to work together and with local, state, and private sector partners to restore Tahoe’s environment, improve forest health, and confront climate change.

The League to Save Lake Tahoe is a strong supporter of this proposed legislation. It is a critical pathway to extend and expand the positive impacts that the Lake Tahoe Restoration Acts of 2000 and 2016 have delivered to Tahoe’s environment and community.

“Today, we took a step toward another major milestone for Lake Tahoe and millions of Nevadans and Californians 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.

“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 pleased to team up with our Nevada Senators on this important effort and proud to be leading it on the other side of the Capitol with the entire Nevada House Delegation.”

The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act was originally signed into law in November of 2000. It authorized $300 million for the restoration of Lake Tahoe, and after a lapse between 2010 and 2016, was reauthorized in 2016. This law is currently expected to expire in 2024, and ensuring there is no gap in authorization or appropriation is a top priority for both Nevada and California. This bill will allow for uninterrupted conservation and restoration planning for the Lake across six project categories, including environmental protection, fire risk reduction, invasive species management, stormwater and erosion control, endangered species recovery, and project oversight reauthorization, and will ensure that regional managing agencies have the capability to plan for long-term restoration projects through 2034.

This legislation is supported by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representatives Mark Amodei (R-Nev.-02), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-03), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03), and Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04.).