La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act
Summary
The La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey approximately 3,400 acres of federal land in Arizona to La Paz County. This land is intended for solar energy development and job creation. The conveyance is subject to certain restrictions, including the protection of cultural, environmental, wildlife, and recreational resources, as well as tribal cultural artifacts.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to facilitate solar energy projects in La Paz County, potentially leading to increased renewable energy production and new employment opportunities. The county would gain control over the land, enabling it to pursue its economic development goals. However, the Act also mandates the county to pay fair market value for the land and cover all related conveyance costs.
Potential Benefits
- Potential for increased solar energy production.
- Creation of new jobs in the renewable energy sector.
- Economic development opportunities for La Paz County.
- Revenue generation for the federal government through the sale of land.
- Promotion of tribal collaboration in cultural artifact preservation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disturbance of cultural and environmental resources if not properly managed.
- Financial burden on La Paz County to purchase the land and cover conveyance costs.
- Withdrawal of the land from mining and mineral leasing, potentially limiting other economic activities.
- Possible delays in the conveyance process due to required appraisals and administrative procedures.
- Dependence on the county's ability to attract solar energy developers.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by promoting economic development and renewable energy. The property clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) grants Congress the power to dispose of and regulate territory belonging to the United States. The Act includes provisions for protecting tribal cultural artifacts, which may be seen as aligning with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes.
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).