Summary of HR 972: Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act

Bill Number: HR 972

Introduced: February 4, 2025

Status: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources (H. Rept. 119-279) on September 15, 2025

Primary Sponsor: Representative Dina Titus (D-NV)

Related Bills: S 1005, S 392 (companion bills)

Purpose of the Legislation

The Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act aims to amend the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Act by adjusting the boundaries of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA) and facilitating the construction of a new water pipeline. This legislation is designed to address the increasing water demands of the rapidly growing population in southern Nevada.

Key Provisions

1. Boundary Adjustment:

   • Expands the Sloan Canyon NCA by approximately 9,290 acres, increasing the total area to 57,728 acres.
   • The expansion is subject to valid existing rights-of-way and operations.

2. Water Pipeline Construction:

   • Grants the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) the authority to construct a new underground water pipeline within the expanded boundaries of the NCA.
   • The pipeline is intended to enhance water delivery reliability, especially in case of outages or repairs to the existing South Valley Lateral pipeline.

3. Material Use:

   • Authorizes the SNWA to use or dispose of sand, gravel, and minerals obtained from tunneling for infrastructure projects within the NCA.
   • Requires the Secretary of the Interior and SNWA to enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the use or disposal of these materials within 30 days of approval.

Background and Need for Legislation

Southern Nevada is projected to experience significant population growth, with estimates suggesting a rise from 2.3 million in 2022 to 3.4 million by 2060. This growth has led to increased demand for reliable drinking water. The SNWA has conducted extensive studies and stakeholder coordination to develop a new pipeline project that would minimize costs and disturbances to local residents. The preferred route for the pipeline, which runs through less-developed areas of the NCA, is estimated to save taxpayers $200 million compared to alternative routes.

Impact

• Residents and Visitors: The bill aims to ensure that current and future residents of the Las Vegas Valley have access to reliable drinking water.
• Environmental Considerations: The underground construction of the pipeline is designed to minimize surface disturbances, thereby preserving the conservation goals of the Sloan Canyon NCA.
• Economic Efficiency: By choosing a route that saves significant taxpayer dollars, the legislation seeks to balance infrastructure needs with fiscal responsibility.

Procedural Timeline

• February 4, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• April 9, 2025: Committee consideration and mark-up session held; bill ordered to be reported by unanimous consent.
• September 15, 2025: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources and placed on the Union Calendar.

This summary provides an overview of HR 972, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the community and environment.