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Representative Mark Amodei (NV-2) today announced the introduction of H.R. 3390, the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2013, along with original cosponsors Reps. John Garamendi (CA-3), Joe Heck (NV-3), Dina Titus (NV-1), and Steve Horsford (NV-4). The legislation continues the federal commitment at Lake Tahoe by authorizing funding to reduce the threat of wildfire, improve water clarity, combat invasive species, and restore the environment in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

“I want to thank the Lake Tahoe Basin local Fire Chiefs and the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team for their work on the sections of the bill pertaining to fuels reduction, wildfire prevention, and forest management,” said Amodei. “It was a tough summer in Nevada and California with regard to fires and this legislation and the planning behind it will play an important role in keeping the communities of the Lake Tahoe Basin safe.”

“Lake Tahoe is a national treasure and the jewel of our Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. When I was a State Legislator, I authored multiple bills to save Lake Tahoe, including the Tahoe Bond and the bill that formed the Tahoe Conservancy. Our commitment to the lake must continue as we build on the important work done by many to preserve Tahoe’s natural beauty for future generations,” said Garamendi. “I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 3390. This bill has strong bipartisan support as it makes smart investments in maintaining and preserving an important tourist attraction and natural landmark. Amid an environment of budget cuts, we cannot afford to neglect the preservation of public lands entrusted to us.”

“Lake Tahoe is a state and national treasure that must be protected,” said Heck. “This legislation continues the federal commitment to the Lake Tahoe Basin by ensuring the federal-state partnership focuses on key priorities like preventing wildfires and combating invasive species. I am pleased that provisions from the Protecting Lakes Against Quaggas Act are included in this bill to reduce the threat Quagga mussels pose to our local environment and economy. I commend Congressman Mark Amodei for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with this bipartisan coalition to pass this bill.”

“The protection of Lake Tahoe is critical to Nevada’s economy,” said Titus. “As the only Member of the Nevada delegation on the House Subcommittee on Water, I will continue to press the importance of restoring Tahoe and preventing the spread of invasive species to the Lake.”

“I’m proud that our delegation has rallied behind this commonsense bill to ensure Lake Tahoe will be protected from a wide range of potential threats,” said Horsford. “When we work together, we secure Lake Tahoe is there for future generations to fully enjoy and experience.”

“Lake Tahoe is a shared resource with a robust partnership for restoration with funding from all sectors ranging from the federal government to private property owners,” said Joanne S. Marchetta, executive director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. “Science is showing that our restoration programs are making progress protecting Tahoe’s air, water, and forests and this legislation provides an important commitment to continuing the work.”

"Investments authorized by the act represent the federal responsibility and share of the Lake Tahoe Multi-jurisdictional Fuels Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy," said Chief Benjamin P. Sharit of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District based in Zephyr Cove, Nevada. "Federal funds are leveraged with state and local dollars to support our collaborative efforts to protect the environment, property, and people from the devastation of catastrophic wildfire."

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