Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.972 - Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.972, the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act, proposes to amend the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Act. The amendment adjusts the boundary of the conservation area and facilitates the construction of a water pipeline by the Southern Nevada Water Authority. This involves expanding the conservation area by approximately 9,290 acres and granting rights-of-way for water infrastructure.

Expected Effects

The bill's passage would lead to an expansion of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, offering increased protection to a larger area of natural resources. It would also enable the Southern Nevada Water Authority to build and operate a water pipeline, potentially enhancing water security for the region. The Act also preserves existing transmission and utility corridors.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased conservation area size, protecting more land.
  • Enhanced water infrastructure for Southern Nevada.
  • Potential for job creation during pipeline construction.
  • Clarification of rights-of-way for utilities.
  • Allows for excavation and disposal of materials to further the interests of the Bureau of Land Management.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential disruption to the environment during pipeline construction.
  • Possible impact on conservation area resources, despite mitigation efforts.
  • Concerns about the long-term ecological effects of altered water flow.
  • Possible displacement of wildlife during construction.
  • Limited information on the specific environmental impact assessment.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill 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. The bill also addresses interstate commerce by ensuring water resources are managed efficiently. The act does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights outlined in 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).