Assembly Resolution Passes With Strong Support
Nevada’s Assembly leaders sent a clear message to Washington last Thursday by overwhelmingly passing AJR10, a resolution that urges the federal government to release more land to the state. The resolution doesn’t directly free up land – only Congress can do that – but it shows Nevada’s unified stance on this critical issue.
AJR10 specifically calls on Congress to facilitate the release of federal lands for housing and economic development to address Nevada’s growing housing crisis. With the federal government controlling about 88% of land in Clark County alone, this resolution represents a significant push for local control.
Lombardo Leads The Charge
Governor Joe Lombardo has championed this cause since taking office. “Nearly 87% of Nevada’s land is controlled by the federal government, significantly limiting developers’ ability to increase the housing supply,” Lombardo noted in his push for the resolution.
The Republican governor warned that without action:
“Washoe County could run out of developable land by 2027, while Clark County may face the same challenge by 2032.”
This land squeeze has driven housing prices skyward, putting homes out of reach for many Nevada families.
Amodei Supports Federal Action
Congressman Mark Amodei, who represents northern Nevada, has been working in Washington to free up federal land. The Republican representative sees this as critical to addressing Nevada’s housing shortage.
“I think there’s a great opportunity to use a federal lands piece of legislation to be a significant piece of the puzzle in addressing affordability,” Amodei has stated, while working on land bills that would benefit rural counties.
The Conservative Case
For conservatives who value limited government, this resolution addresses a fundamental issue: who controls Nevada’s land – federal bureaucrats or local communities?
The current situation restricts free market growth, drives up housing costs, and limits economic opportunity. Local control would mean faster development approvals and more housing built at lower costs.
Water Concerns Addressed
Critics worry about water supplies for new development. The Great Basin Water Network questions whether the Colorado River can sustain a growing population given climate change challenges.
However, the Southern Nevada Water Authority points out that new development codes already ensure water-efficient building. New homes can’t have grass yards, pools are size-limited, and all fixtures must be highly efficient. The valley’s wastewater recycling system also ensures water conservation.
What’s Next
The “Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act” would release 25,000 acres of federal land for development while protecting over 2 million acres for conservation. This balanced approach requires Congressional action to move forward.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto spoke before legislators in Carson City, supporting the effort to:
“make appropriate federal land available for housing, for economic development– while also protecting sensitive landscapes.”
For Nevada families struggling with high housing costs, this resolution represents hope that Washington will finally listen and act to address this uniquely Western states’ problem.
Trump’s Promise to Nevada
President Trump has already signaled his support for releasing federal land in Nevada. During his campaign, he promised to:
“work with your governor to open up new tracts of federal land for large-scale housing construction.”
Trump specifically pledged that Nevadans would get this land “for a much lower price” and proposed creating “special new zones with ultra-low taxes and ultra-low regulations” for housing development.
The president’s approach aligns with conservative values of cutting red tape and promoting economic growth through free market solutions. With Republicans controlling the White House and Governor Lombardo in Carson City, Nevada may finally see meaningful action on this critical issue after years of federal inaction.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
