Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act
May 19, 2026
Became law: May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
Became law: May 19, 2026
Summary
Makes the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area bigger and gives permission for a water pipeline to be built and used in the area.
What problem does this solve?
The Sloan Canyon area needed more protected land, but Southern Nevada also needed a path for a new water pipeline. This law expands the protected area while also creating a specific route for the pipeline to be built.
What does this law do?
Expands the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Increases the size of the Conservation Area from 48,438 acres to 57,728 acres by updating the official map.
Grants a right-of-way for the Horizon Lateral Pipeline
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant the Southern Nevada Water Authority a path for a water pipeline, powerlines, and access roads without charging rent.
Allows free excavation and disposal of materials
Permits the Southern Nevada Water Authority to dig up and get rid of sand, gravel, and other materials from tunneling without having to pay for them.
Sets limits on pipeline construction
Prohibits the pipeline from permanently harming the ground surface in the conservation area and from being located in any designated wilderness area.
Preserves existing utility corridors
Ensures that expanding the conservation area does not interfere with existing rights for utility lines or prevent new ones from being added in designated areas.
Who does this affect?
- Southern Nevada Water Authority
- Residents of Southern Nevada
- Bureau of Land Management
What is the real world impact?
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Balances conservation and water infrastructure needs
Expands a protected natural area to preserve more land while also allowing for the construction of a necessary water pipeline to serve Southern Nevada's communities.
When does this start?
This law sets multiple deadlines for action after it is passed.
Pipeline right-of-way grant
The Secretary of the Interior must grant the right-of-way to the Southern Nevada Water Authority no later than one year after the law is passed.