Reno, Nev. – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03) hosted community leaders and local advocates at Lake Tahoe following the passage of her legislation extending the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act for 10 years. The measure passed the Senate in July and the House of Representatives on September 24th. It was signed into law on October 1, 2024.
“Since it was first passed nearly 25 years ago, the LTRA has helped combat invasive species, maintain the environment, and improve water infrastructure in the Tahoe Basin. It’s helped support local jobs and welcome new travelers, making the lake a better space for visitors and residents alike,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This reauthorization is key to continuing that work. This isn’t just a box to check or a project we can just move on from – this is an ongoing effort, and we need to keep up our work to keep the water clean, prevent wildfires, and protect the environment surrounding the Tahoe Basin.”
The Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act is cosponsored by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), as well as Representatives Mark Amodei (R-Nev.-02), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Dina Titus (D-Nev.- 01), Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04), John Duarte (R-Calif.-13) and Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03). It will allow critical funding to support environmental protection and habitat restoration programs across the basin for the next ten years. This law has delivered millions in federal dollars to Lake Tahoe since the original law passed in 2000.
Senator Cortez Masto has been a champion for Lake Tahoe, leading efforts in the Senate to conserve the region and protect the lake. She recently secured $24 million to extend the popular East Shore Train around Lake Tahoe, and almost $8 million to help the Tahoe Transportation District purchase new electric hybrid busses and improve transit safety. She secured nearly $17 million in funding for the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in addition to critical resources to address microplastic pollution in the Lake and to improve transportation options to and from Reno. She has led calls for a comprehensive, collaborative, and science-based approach to protect Lake Tahoe from the threat of climate change. Cortez Masto helped pass the Great American Outdoors Act, which was signed into law to repair and maintain public lands nationwide.
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