No substantive changes. The provided texts for v5 (H.R. 972 Enrolled Bill) and v6 (Public Law 119-91) are identical in their operative provisions. The bill's content, including the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area boundary adjustment and the Horizon Lateral Pipeline Right-of-Way, remains unchanged between these versions.
Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 19, 2026
Bottom line
The bill expands a national conservation area while simultaneously facilitating a major water pipeline project through a mandated, rent-free right-of-way, balancing conservation with critical infrastructure development.
What it actually does
This Act expands the boundary of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area by approximately 9,290 acres, increasing its total size to 57,728 acres. Concurrently, it mandates the Secretary of the Interior to grant the Southern Nevada Water Authority a temporary and permanent right-of-way for the Horizon Lateral Pipeline, including the right to excavate and dispose of materials without charge. The bill also ensures that existing utility corridors and rights-of-way are preserved within the expanded conservation area.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill represents a balanced approach to land management, simultaneously enhancing conservation efforts by expanding a protected area and ensuring the development of vital water infrastructure for Southern Nevada. They contend that the pipeline is crucial for regional water security and that the conditions placed on the right-of-way adequately protect conservation resources, while preserving existing utility corridors prevents disruption to essential services.
Opponents contend
Critics may express concern that granting a permanent right-of-way for a pipeline, especially without rent or charges and with excavation rights, undermines the purpose of expanding a conservation area. They might argue that such development, even with conditions, could set a precedent for industrial intrusion into protected lands and that the environmental impact of construction and operation, despite mitigation efforts, could be significant.
The bill is short and relatively straightforward, allowing a reader to understand its core provisions well within the time typically allotted for legislative review.
Section 3(a)
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Boundary Adjustment
This provision amends the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Act to update the official map and increase the total acreage of the Conservation Area from 48,438 acres to 57,728 acres. This expansion adds approximately 9,290 acres to the protected area, formally incorporating additional land into the conservation management framework.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that expanding the Conservation Area is a crucial step to protect valuable natural and cultural resources, enhance biodiversity, and provide greater recreational opportunities for the public. They contend it safeguards important ecosystems from future development.
Critics contend
Some critics might argue that expanding conservation areas can restrict economic development, resource extraction, or other land uses that could benefit local communities. However, no specific organized opposition to this particular boundary expansion is evident.
Tradeoffs
The primary tradeoff involves balancing the desire for increased conservation with potential limitations on other forms of land use or development in the newly designated areas.
Section 3(b)
Horizon Lateral Pipeline Right-of-Way Grant
This section mandates the Secretary of the Interior to grant the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) a temporary and permanent right-of-way for the Horizon Lateral Pipeline. This right-of-way, which is not subject to rents or other charges, allows SNWA to conduct geotechnical investigations and construct/operate water transmission facilities. It also permits SNWA to excavate and dispose of materials from tunneling without consideration, provided an MOU is established with the Secretary for disposal sites. The right-of-way is subject to reasonable terms to protect Conservation Area resources and cannot be located through designated wilderness.
Section 3(c)
Preservation of Transmission and Utility Corridors and Rights-of-Way
This subsection clarifies that the expansion of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area boundary does not override existing valid rights, specifically those related to designated utility transmission corridors or approved transmission line rights-of-way. It explicitly states that activities like operation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of authorized utility facilities within these corridors are not precluded, nor is the Secretary prevented from authorizing new utility facility rights-of-way within existing designated corridors, subject to environmental review and other applicable laws.
The Secretary of the Interior is mandated to grant the Southern Nevada Water Authority a temporary and permanent right-of-way for the Horizon Lateral Pipeline 'not subject to the payment of rents or other charges'.
Section 3(h)(1)
Why it matters:While not overtly hidden, the specific financial terms are part of a longer list of conditions. It is standard legislative practice to detail such terms within the relevant provision.
Case for: Supporters argue that waiving rents and charges reduces the financial burden on the Southern Nevada Water Authority, thereby lowering costs for ratepayers and expediting the development of critical water infrastructure. This can be seen as a federal contribution to a vital public service.
Case against: Critics might argue that waiving these fees represents a significant financial benefit to a specific entity at the expense of federal revenue, effectively a subsidy that could be used for other public purposes, including conservation efforts. It could also set a precedent for future projects.
Estimated impact: This provision represents a direct financial benefit to the Southern Nevada Water Authority by foregoing potential federal revenue from land use fees for the pipeline right-of-way, the exact value of which would depend on the length and duration of the right-of-way and standard fee schedules.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority may, 'without consideration,' excavate and use or dispose of sand, gravel, minerals, or other materials from the tunneling of the water pipeline necessary to fulfill the purpose of the rights-of-way.
Section 3(h)(2)(A)
Why it matters:This is a technical detail related to construction logistics. While it has financial implications, its placement within the operational aspects of the right-of-way is typical for legislative drafting, rather than an attempt to obscure.
Case for: Proponents argue that allowing SNWA to use or dispose of excavated materials without additional cost streamlines the construction process, reduces project expenses, and avoids the logistical and environmental challenges of sourcing and transporting materials from elsewhere. This efficiency benefits the overall project and ratepayers.
Case against: Critics might argue that these materials, if valuable, represent a federal resource that should not be given away without charge. They could contend that this waiver further subsidizes the project and potentially deprives the federal government of revenue or the ability to manage these resources for other public benefit.
Estimated impact: This provision provides a significant operational and financial benefit to the Southern Nevada Water Authority by allowing them to manage excavated materials without additional cost or payment to the federal government, potentially saving millions depending on the volume and type of materials.