Strategic Plan to Address Growth in Southern Nevada

Critical Issue: Environment

Two environmental factors have the potential for severe consequences for Southern Nevada. The first is compliance with federal air quality standards. Continued non-attainment status or worsened status due to new regulations could lead to a wide spectrum of mandated control measures. If air quality issues are not adequately addressed, Southern Nevada is likely to find itself facing the dilemmas that confront the Atlanta, Phoenix and Denver metropolitan areas. Secondly, water quality issues associated with the Las Vegas Wash have the potential to impact Southern Nevada’s principal source of water as well as efforts to secure additional water supplies.

Environment Recommendations

Immediate Local Action
Improve coordination among air quality agencies to better plan enforce and achieve attainment of air quality standards.

Implement the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s proposed 1/4 cent sales tax option to help fund water and wastewater projects.

Integrate land use, air quality and transportation planning.

Develop a comprehensive management plan for the Las Vegas Wash coordinated by the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Immediate State Action
Implement an annual smog check program for diesel vehicles and improve the existing smog check program for gasoline engines.

Immediate State Legislation
Amend state law to allow the Air Pollution Control Division to retain penalty money for use in air pollution control activities.