Big Government Loosens Its Grip on Nevada’s Land
For years, the federal government has kept a tight hold on Nevada’s land. In fact, they own more than 80% of all the land in the state. But that might be changing soon.
Republican Governor Joe Lombardo announced Tuesday that Nevada is making a deal with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to figure out what land could be opened up for people to live on.
Lombardo said:
“We’ve had more accomplished in this short period of time with the Bureau of Land Management than we have had in several years,”
He is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with BLM at the start of May.
Since day one, I’ve made it a priority to expand attainable housing in Nevada.
Yesterday, I was proud to announce initial steps to work with NV’s BLM office to map federal lands identified for disposal so we can get more homes built and help more Nevadans achieve homeownership. pic.twitter.com/NCAmGLkwvP
— Joe Lombardo (@JoeLombardoNV) April 2, 2025
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This is a big win for people who believe in limited government. When the feds control most of your state’s land, it makes it harder for regular folks to find affordable places to live. It also blocks new businesses from growing.
The governor’s plan would cut red tape for builders who want to create affordable housing on federal land. This means less government control and more freedom for the market to work.
“This is what we’re doing. We’re putting people to work,” Lombardo explained. “We’re developing ideas to ensure that they stay in work, and they have long-term jobs, not a short-term job, and expanding upon the economy.”
What’s In The Plan
The governor’s housing bill does three main things:
- First, it identifies federal land that could be used for new homes and businesses.
- Second, it speeds up how quickly builders can start construction. Less waiting means lower costs.
- Third, it makes more people eligible for affordable housing programs.
The goal is simple: more homes at prices people can actually afford.
What Critics Are Saying
Not everyone loves this plan. Some environmental groups worry that opening up more land could harm natural habitats. Others say the government should focus on fixing up old buildings in cities instead of spreading out into new areas.
Some progressive lawmakers argue that without strict rules, developers will build expensive homes instead of affordable ones.
Part of a Bigger Investment
This agreement with the BLM is just one piece of Governor Lombardo’s larger housing strategy. The governor recently revealed a $250 million housing plan aimed at helping Nevada residents whose incomes exceed low-income housing thresholds yet remain insufficient to secure market-rate apartments in Las Vegas.
Lombardo’s plan would expand affordable housing eligibility to households earning up to 150 percent of the area median income, which would help essential workers like teachers and first responders. This means more people getting help to afford a home, not just those in the lowest income brackets.
The governor has emphasized that 85% of Nevada’s land is managed by the federal government, which has significantly limited the state’s ability to expand housing availability. This new agreement could be the first step toward changing that situation and putting more control back in local hands.
Taking Action
Governor Joe Lombardo wrote,
“Since day one, I’ve made it a priority to expand attainable housing in Nevada.”
His agreement with the BLM to map federal lands identified for disposal marks a practical step toward getting more homes built and helping more Nevadans achieve homeownership. By removing federal barriers and freeing up land, this plan tackles the housing crisis where it starts – limited supply in a state where the government controls most of the territory.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
