The League plays a leading role in advocating for adequate and appropriate public investment in restoration projects included in the Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP). The EIP was established in 1997 as a coordinated effort designed to protect and restore Lake Tahoe’s natural resources. The program includes a list of erosion control, land acquisition, watershed, and forest ecosystem restoration projects. The League views the funding of this program, and the identification of priority projects, as key components in saving Lake Tahoe.
Since the development of the EIP, the League has strongly supported and promoted the program. It is estimated the total cost of the ten-year program is over $1 billion, and the League works diligently with our private sector partners and land management agencies to assure necessary funding for EIP projects – and to assure that such funding is spent as wisely and efficiently as possible. When the EIP was developed, it was determined that projects would be funded by state, federal, and local revenue sources and the League has worked to promote the program at each level.
S. NV. Public Lands Management Act
The Tahoe Amendment to the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act has dramatically changed the outlook for funding the federal portion of the Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP). The Tahoe Amendment, which was sponsored by Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, allows for a small portion of funding generated by federal land sales in southern Nevada to be used for Tahoe restoration projects. Over $37 million per year is available through SNPLMA, but the funding is not guaranteed. The League strongly supported the Tahoe Amendment through its development and now works hard to ensure funding continues. Click here for more info.
Federal Advisory Committee
As a member of the Lake Tahoe Federal Advisory Committee, the League works to ensure that federal funding is allocated to projects and programs that directly improve the environment in the Tahoe Basin. The LTFAC was established under President Clinton to advise the federal government on Tahoe’s priorities, and the League's participation greatly strengthens the recommendations of the local community group by assuring decision makers that regional environmental activists will support them.
State & Local Efforts
The League works diligently with California, Nevada, and local governments to assure their continued support of the EIP. The League advocates before the California and Nevada Legislatures, asking lawmakers to support Tahoe’s restoration through funding of their natural resource agencies and of the EIP. In addition, we are working with local representatives and community leaders to develop consensus on a regional revenue source.
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