Technical corrections only. The diff between v5 and v6 primarily involves formatting adjustments, the addition of public law metadata, and the removal of congressional session headers as the bill transitioned to Public Law 119-68. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the Act.
La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 11, 2026
Bottom line
This Act facilitates local economic development in La Paz County, Arizona, by transferring federal land for solar energy projects, while ensuring environmental and cultural protections and full cost recovery for the federal government.
What it actually does
This Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey approximately 3,400 acres of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Arizona to La Paz County. The conveyance is contingent upon the County paying the fair market value and all associated administrative costs. It includes provisions for protecting Tribal cultural artifacts and excludes land with significant cultural, environmental, wildlife, or recreational resources, with the stated purpose of facilitating solar energy development and job creation.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill promotes renewable energy development and economic growth in La Paz County by providing necessary land for solar projects, creating jobs, and boosting the local tax base. They emphasize that the federal government will be fully reimbursed for the land and associated costs, and that tribal cultural resources are protected.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that transferring federal land, even for renewable energy, sets a precedent for privatizing public assets that should remain under federal stewardship for broader public benefit. Concerns could be raised about the long-term environmental impacts of large-scale solar development on desert ecosystems, despite the bill's exclusion clause for significant resources.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 3(a)
Direct Conveyance of Federal Land
This provision mandates the Secretary of the Interior to transfer approximately 3,400 acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to La Paz County, Arizona. This transfer is to occur as soon as practically possible after the County requests it, overriding standard federal land planning requirements. The land is specifically identified on a map titled "BLM Arizona--La Paz County Land Conveyance Map."
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this direct conveyance streamlines the process for La Paz County to acquire land essential for economic development, particularly for solar energy projects, without being hindered by lengthy federal planning requirements.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that bypassing standard planning requirements (sections 202 and 203 of FLPMA) could lead to insufficient environmental review or public input, potentially sacrificing broader federal land management goals for local interests.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the efficiency of local economic development with the established federal processes for land management and public engagement.
Section 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(f), 3(g)
Conditions for Land Conveyance and Use
The conveyance is subject to existing valid rights and any necessary terms set by the Secretary. Crucially, any federal land containing significant cultural, environmental, wildlife, or recreational resources must be excluded from the transfer. La Paz County must pay the fair market value of the land, determined by an appraisal, and cover all associated costs, including surveys and appraisals. Furthermore, the County and any future owners must make good faith efforts to protect Tribal artifacts, minimize impacts if disturbed, coordinate with the Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Historic Preservation Office, and allow reburying of unearthed artifacts. The land is also withdrawn from mining and mineral leasing laws.
Section 3(h)
Disposition of Sale Proceeds
This provision directs that all proceeds from the sale of the land to La Paz County will be deposited into the Federal Land Disposal Account. This account, established under the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), is used to acquire high-priority inholdings and other lands for conservation or public purposes.
The conveyance is made "Notwithstanding the planning requirement of sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713)".
Section 3(a)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for expediting specific land transactions that might otherwise be subject to lengthy administrative processes. It's not necessarily evasive but ensures the bill's intent is carried out efficiently.
Case for: Supporters argue this waiver is necessary to expedite the land transfer for critical solar energy development, preventing bureaucratic delays that could hinder job creation and renewable energy goals.
Case against: Critics might argue that bypassing these planning requirements reduces transparency and public input, potentially leading to less optimal land use decisions or insufficient environmental review compared to the standard process.
Estimated impact: Accelerates the transfer of 3,400 acres of federal land, potentially reducing the time required for the project to commence.
The Federal land is withdrawn from the operation of the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States.
Section 3(f)
Why it matters:This is a protective measure often included in land conveyances for specific development purposes to prevent conflicting land uses. It's a technical detail to secure the land's intended future use.
Case for: Proponents argue this withdrawal ensures the land can be exclusively used for solar energy and related development without interference from potential mining claims, providing certainty for investors and developers.
Case against: Opponents from the mining industry might argue it unnecessarily restricts access to potential mineral resources, even if the primary intent is solar development, without a full assessment of the mineral value.
Estimated impact: Prevents future mining or mineral leasing activities on the 3,400 acres, ensuring its availability for solar energy and job creation.