Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act
Summary
The Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act amends the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Act. It adjusts the boundary of the Conservation Area, increasing its acreage, and grants a right-of-way to the Southern Nevada Water Authority for a water pipeline. The Act also addresses the preservation of existing transmission and utility corridors within the expanded Conservation Area.
Expected Effects
The boundary adjustment will expand the Conservation Area, potentially impacting land use and resource management. Granting the right-of-way for the pipeline will facilitate water infrastructure development. The preservation of existing utility corridors ensures continued operation and maintenance of existing infrastructure.
Potential Benefits
- Expands the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, potentially enhancing conservation efforts.
- Grants right-of-way for a water pipeline, improving water infrastructure for Southern Nevada.
- Allows the Southern Nevada Water Authority to excavate and use materials from tunneling, potentially reducing project costs.
- Preserves existing utility corridors, ensuring continued access and maintenance.
- Requires the Secretary to consider conservation area resources when issuing terms and conditions for the right-of-way.
Potential Disadvantages
- Expansion of the Conservation Area may restrict certain land uses or development opportunities.
- Construction of the water pipeline could potentially disrupt the environment, despite mitigation measures.
- The Act gives preferential treatment to the Southern Nevada Water Authority, which may raise concerns about fairness.
- The disposal of excavated materials on federal land could have environmental impacts if not properly managed.
- The Act does not explicitly address potential impacts on local communities or businesses.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to manage and dispose of federal lands. It also aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by promoting water infrastructure development. The Act does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).