Congress Approves Historic Lake Tahoe Restoration Act
– Landmark Measure authorizes $300 million over ten years
in federal-state-local partnership to save this pristine lake –
October 27, 2000

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Legislation by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Harry Reid to establish a $900 million federal-state-local partnership to preserve and protect Lake Tahoe from continued environmental deterioration was approved today by the Senate and forwarded to President Clinton for his signature.

“This is great news for one of the environmental crown jewels of our nation. Essentially what this legislation does is establish a federal-state-local partnership to provide $900 million for protecting and preserving Lake Tahoe. It commits the federal government to $300 million over 10 years, with the states of California and Nevada providing an equal share and the remaining funds being raised locally from governments and businesses,” Senator Feinstein said.

Scientific evidence has shown that the lake has lost 33 feet of clarity over the last 27 years and is losing another foot of clarity each year. We have to act now because time is running out for Lake Tahoe. We have ten years to do something significant or the water quality deterioration becomes irreversible. This bill will help in this fight to protect and save this natural wonder.”

The Senate version of Lake Tahoe Restoration Act was cosponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Cal.) and Richard Bryan (D-Nev.). A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives John Doolittle (R-Roseville), Jim Gibbons (R-Reno) and Robert Matsui (D-Sacramento) and was approved by that chamber on October 25.

The legislation requires the U.S. Forest Service to develop an annual priority list of environmental restoration projects and authorizes $200 million over ten years to implement these projects on federal lands. The bill authorizes $100 million over ten years as payments to local governments for erosion control activities.
“Lake Tahoe's pristine mountain beauty has drawn and amazed people for centuries. The lake is one of the largest and deepest in the nation and is known for the crystal clarity of its water. The entire Lake Tahoe basin boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Sierra Nevada,” Senator Feinstein said.

“It is one of the most beloved and truly special places on earth. Sadly, Lake Tahoe is in a state of environmental emergency. Lake Tahoe's famed crystal clear water has been muddied by erosion. It is common to see gasoline floating on the water's surface.

“Sediment and algae-causing phosphorus and nitrogen, all of which contaminate the water in the lake, continue to flow into Lake Tahoe from a variety of sources. Destruction of wetlands, wet meadows and stream habitat has compromised Lake Tahoe's ability to cleanse itself of pollutants.

“And it is not just the lake that is in trouble. Insect infestation and drought have killed more than one third of the trees in the Lake Tahoe Forest and there is now a serious risk of a major forest fire.”