Bruce F. Vento: “I would like to express my vigorous opposition to H.R. 1695, the ``Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act.''…”

“I would like to express my vigorous opposition to H.R. 1695, the ``Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act.'' Since this project could not meet the environmental or procedural expectations of the federal government to transfer 6,600 acres of public land administratively, this body must now debate the merits of legislation that visibly flaunts thirty years of sound federal land use policy and procedure. It is my hope that as the full House debates this measure it will see the numerous inconsistencies with regard to standard federal policy that makes this legislation unacceptable. Frankly, the advocates have systematically avoided the administrative procedure this measure was before the bill's sponsors introduced it three years ago. During this time, a transfer could have been achieved administratively without forcing a policy and land transfer down the Department of Interior's throat. One wonders if the sponsors want an airport site or a political confrontation. H.R. 1695 directs the sale of 6,600 acres of public land near the Mojave Desert Preserve for the development of a commercial cargo airport for the city of Las Vegas and its surrounding suburbs. Although the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has failed to identify this land for disposal because of the important environmental and recreational resources it contains, Clark County, Nevada is seeking ownership of this land at substantially discounted prices.”