H.R. 972
The Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act (H.R. 972) aims to expand the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area in Clark County, Nevada, by adding approximately 9,290 acres. It also allows the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) to build and operate a water pipeline through this area. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is required to grant rights-of-way for this purpose, ensuring that construction does not harm wilderness areas or permanently damage surface resources. The BLM can impose conditions to safeguard the conservation area's resources. The SNWA is permitted to excavate and dispose of materials like sand and gravel during construction, with the BLM identifying suitable federal land for disposal. Existing rights and utility corridors are respected, and new utility rights-of-way are allowed.