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Does Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo support the release of federally owned lands in Nevada?

By Todd Butterworth
YES

In his recent State of the State address, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo advocated for "a more predictable approach to the timely release of federal lands," which he asserted is "a critical component to economic development and affordable housing."

Concerns related to federal land ownership in Nevada predate Lombardo’s tenure. Speaking to a Senate panel in 2021, Marci Hansen, the director of Clark County's Department of Environment and Sustainability, stated, "Land scarcity (...) hampers our ability to fully realize goals for affordable housing, economic diversification and full employment."

U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto recently proposed a bill to expand Clark County's developable federally owned land by 25,000 acres, but it failed to move forward after being opposed by the county, which sought a higher number of acres.

Federal lands in Nevada are used for various purposes, including conservation and recreation, livestock grazing and the development of natural resources. 

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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