Emma Hardy: “I thank the gentleman from the great State of Texas for yielding me the time. Nowhere are the challenges of the Federal…”

“I thank the gentleman from the great State of Texas for yielding me the time. Nowhere are the challenges of the Federal land mismanagement more evident than in Nevada, where more than 85 percent of our State is controlled by the Federal Government. Land management is an issue that affects all Nevadans, both urban and rural. That is why I was proud to have the opportunity to hold a Natural Resources Committee field hearing in my district examining the unique challenges facing southern Nevada communities. At the hearing, we heard from local agencies, a nonprofit organization, a university professor, a private sector trade association, and the Federal Government. By bringing all of these different stakeholders to the table at once, one thing became abundantly clear: the status quo Federal land management isn't working, and we need to do something about it. If we fail to act, we will not only harm the quality of life for our constituents, but we will also be endangering the public safety. I would like to highlight a few examples that were raised at this field hearing and expose the stark reality. First, we had a chief engineer for the Clark County Regional Flood Control District testify that erroneous BLM requirements prevent the county officials from removing excess sediment and debris from detention basins after desert flash floods.…”