Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, introduced legislation Thursday intended to protect Gold Butte.
The Virgin Valley Tourism and Lake Mead Preservation Act would create a Gold Butte National Conservation Area (NCA) of approximately 350,000 acres.
All currently open roads within the NCA would remain open for access. The bill would also promote Lake Mead for tourism, support a local airport development extension, and direct the Secretary of the Interior to consult with local leaders on energy development.
Horsford said the legislation also establishes the Virgin Valley Tourism and Economic Advisory Council which would include representatives from Moapa, Moapa Valley, Bunkerville, and Mesquite. Additional council members would be assigned by the Moapa Band of Paiutes Tribal Council and the Clark County Board of County Commissioners.