Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026
Congress seeks to expand Lake Tahoe land management funding and support land transfers to the Washoe Tribe
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Lets Forest Service use money set aside for buying land around Lake Tahoe to also manage that land (like forest health and water quality work).
- Adds the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California as a partner that can receive land and funding, including for land that is culturally important to the Tribe.
- Allows funds to cover the paperwork and other admin costs needed to transfer land to state/local governments or the Washoe Tribe.
- Spells out what “land management” can include: wildfire-risk work near homes, protecting water quality, limiting damage from heavy recreation, and protecting cultural sites.
- Requires a yearly spending plan with input from California, Nevada, the Tahoe planning agency, local governments, and the Washoe Tribe; funds can stay available until used.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
Nevada and California senators and congressman introduce legislation to support Lake Tahoe conservation efforts
Covers the bill’s introduction and details: allowing Santini-Burton funds for land management (wildfire risk, water quality, recreation impacts) and adding the Washoe Tribe as an eligible land-transfer partner.
Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up | January 26 - January 30, 2026
Round-up noting introduction of the Santini-Burton Modernization Act (H.R. 7255 / S. 3695) to increase funding/tools for Tahoe Basin land management (lake clarity, recreation impacts, wildfire risk).
California, Nevada Senators introduce legislation to support Lake Tahoe conservation efforts
Syndicated/curated item referencing local reporting on the bill: restoring ability to use funds for Tahoe land management and expanding Washoe Tribe authority to manage lands in the Basin.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.