Federal bill would add 3,156 acres to Las Vegas Paiute reservation

What does this do?

HR 6917 would transfer approximately 3,156 acres of land currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management to the federal government to hold in trust for the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians. The land would become part of the tribe's official reservation, with the federal government acting as legal guardian on the tribe's behalf. A boundary survey must be completed within 180 days of the transfer.

Who does it affect?

Members of the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians would gain a significantly larger reservation under this bill. Residents and workers near the land in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, as well as energy companies involved in renewable power transmission in the region, would also be affected.

Why does it matter?

The change in land governance would affect how approximately 3,156 acres in the Las Vegas area are used and managed going forward. Energy companies are guaranteed a roughly 300-foot right-of-way across part of the land for high-voltage power lines tied to renewable energy projects, while casino-style gambling is explicitly prohibited on this specific land.

Where does it stand?