LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Gov. Joe Lombardo sent a letter to congressional leaders Wednesday urging them to advance bipartisan Nevada lands legislation that would make more federal land available for development while protecting the state’s natural resources.
Lombardo said the proposals have had broad local support for years but have remained stalled in Washington.
“Over the last decade, land access challenges have contributed to Nevada’s housing crisis,” Lombardo said in his letter. “Without adequate and accessible housing, economic growth in both urban and rural communities is constrained.”
MORE ON FOX5: Las Vegas discusses heat mitigation master plan changes under new Nevada law
What the legislation would do
Pending legislation in Congress would identify areas for conservation and development, improve the federal land disposal process, and help communities plan for future growth while protecting Nevada’s landscapes and wildlife, according to the governor’s office.
Lombardo said Nevada needs a balanced approach to public land management that supports housing, infrastructure, recreation, conservation, and long-term economic growth.
“To be clear, I recognize the importance and value of retaining public lands, but there must also be reasonable, predictable, and efficient processes for land disposal under appropriate circumstances,” Lombardo said. “Nevada has repeatedly turned to federal legislation to solve these challenges. Our congressional delegation has brought community-driven, community-specific, and Nevada-led solutions to Congress, and I would urge you to help ensure that these bills reach President Trump’s desk.”
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
