A State Running Out of Room

“Las Vegas could run out of land by 2032.”

That’s not a typo – it’s the warning from Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo in a groundbreaking resolution that challenges Washington’s control of 87% of Nevada’s land. For families watching housing prices soar out of reach, it’s a five-alarm fire.

 Not Like Other States

Most Americans don’t realize it, but Nevada is basically living in its own guest house.

The resolution spells it out:

“The federal government controls nearly 85 percent of Nevada’s land, placing the state in a uniquely disadvantaged position among its peers, stifling economic growth, restricting housing development, and impeding infrastructure expansion.”

A Promise Made, A Promise Broken

Back in 1864, when Nevada joined the Union, Washington made some big promises. The resolution digs up this forgotten history:

“Historical promises made during Nevada’s statehood, as outlined in the Enabling Act of 1864, explicitly recognized the need for federal lands to be systematically disposed of to promote the state’s development.”

Spoiler alert: They’re still waiting.

Real Families, Real Crisis

Here’s what this means for regular Nevadans:

“The scarcity of developable land has directly fueled a crisis of affordability, driving up housing costs, limiting opportunities for working families, and exacerbating economic disparities across rural and urban communities.”

Translation? Your rent is higher because bureaucrats in Washington won’t let Nevada be Nevada.

More Than Just Empty Desert

Think this is just about empty land? Think again.

The resolution points out that federal control is actually hurting the environment:

“The underutilization and mismanagement of federally controlled lands have increased ecological risks, including wildfire threats, and limited opportunities for responsible development.”

A Warning No One Can Ignore

The clock is ticking, and Lombardo’s resolution puts it in stark terms. Washoe County – home to Reno’s booming tech corridor – hits the wall in 2027. Clark County, where Las Vegas drives the state’s tourism engine, maxes out by 2032.

The Governor warns:

“Projections indicate that Washoe County could run out of developable land by 2027, while Clark County may face the same challenge by 2032,”

For perspective, that’s before today’s middle schoolers graduate college.

The Constitutional Case

Here’s where it gets interesting. The resolution argues this isn’t just unfair – it might be unconstitutional:

“This federal land retention infringes upon Nevada’s sovereignty and equality as a state, contradicting the constitutional principle of equal footing and denying Nevada the same opportunities afforded to other states.”

 Beyond Politics

This isn’t a partisan fight. “Nevada’s bipartisan congressional delegation has shown leadership in advocating for these measures,” the resolution notes, but adds that “stronger and more immediate action is required.”

Lombardo’s resolution demands:

• Immediate release of federal lands for housing
•  Clear timeline for land transfers
•  Protection of tribal rights
•  Balance of development and conservation
•  Equal treatment with other states

The Path Forward

The resolution argues:

“The State of Nevada has consistently demonstrated its ability to act as a responsible steward of land, ensuring sustainable and effective management that benefits both economic development and environmental conservation.”

For Nevada families watching the housing crisis worsen while Washington sits on 87% of their state, that action can’t come soon enough. The resolution”unequivocally calls upon the Congress of the United States and the President of the United States to take immediate and decisive action.”

The message is clear: Let Nevada control Nevada.

The only question is whether Washington will listen before Las Vegas runs out of room to grow. For a state being told it can’t use its own backyard, the time for change is now.

Read the full resolution, here: 2025 – Federal Lands Resolution Letter

This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.