Ranchers and conservationists have united against a bill both groups say could allow Las Vegas to drain rural Nevada water sources.
Assembly Bill 298 could revise Nevada water law, that proponents say are critical to managing water supply in the state. Opponents, however, say the definitions threaten to undermine rancher’s livelihoods.
The bill was sponsored by Democrat Heidi Swank from Las Vegas, who also chairs the Assembly Natural Resources, Agriculture and Mining Committee. AB 298 faces a deadline Friday to move out of committee. Senate Natural Resources Chair Yvanna Cancela said she would like more public input on future changes.