Senate approves Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Harry Reid, D-Nev., are staunch backers of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act. Photo Copyright 2016 Carolyn E. Wright

The U.S. Senate today approved a measure that would bring $415 million to the Lake Tahoe Basin.

On a 94-3 vote the $4.8 billion Water Resources Development Act was approved. Dissenting on Sept. 15 were Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Ben Sasse, R-Neb.

Wrapped into this bill is the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act. The money for Tahoe will be allocated over 10 years for forest fuels management, environmental and watershed restoration, stormwater management and other projects.

“The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act highlights our commitment to protecting this unique ecosystem and the economy that depends upon the lake’s clarity. Its passage is an important step, but it is meaningless unless Republicans are willing to step up and get it through the House of Representatives and onto the president’s desk,” Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in a statement. “Last month, at my invitation, President Obama visited Lake Tahoe for the very first time to speak at the 20th anniversary of the Lake Tahoe Summit. At that event the federal government, the states of Nevada and California, local businesses, residents and philanthropists all rededicated ourselves to the work of protecting this unique and wonderful lake. As the entire world saw last month, the beauty of Lake Tahoe is unparalleled. We must do everything we can to keep it that way.”

The initial LTRA was passed following the inaugural environmental summit that President Bill Clinton launched in 1997.

The next step is for the House of Representatives to take up the legislation.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report