Resolution would call for limits on Nellis land withdrawal

CARSON CITY -- A veteran Democratic assemblyman has drafted a resolution asking Congress to limit to 15 years or less the time Nellis Air Force Base can lock up 3 million acres of Southern Nevada land for use as a bombing range.

Assemblyman Doug Bache, D-Las Vegas, chairman of the Government Affairs Committee, said the state must be able to do a periodic review of any environmental damage.

"I recognize there is a legitimate use by the federal government for the range, but we also have needs for the state," Bache said Wednesday.

The resolution has been printed and given a number, AJR1. Bache said it will be introduced Monday, the Legislature's opening day.

Bache's proposal puts him at odds with Gov. Kenny Guinn, who backs a permanent withdrawal.

Bache conceded that Guinn's stance could make the going tougher for his resolution. Democrats are in the majority in the Assembly, but Republicans control the Senate.

"If it becomes a partisan issue," Bache said, "I don't know."

In addition, the resolution if passed would need the governor's signature. The resolution will be referred to Bache's committee, but no date has been set for public testimony.

Last November Guinn told the Air Force, "I urge you to ask Congress for a permanent withdrawal of the ranges to allow this premier testing facility to remain as the one place we will have forever to train our fighting forces." Nellis, he said, has been an integral part in the development of Nevada and has played a major economic role in Clark County.

Guinn, according to his press secretary Jack Finn this week, maintains the land should be locked up in "perpetuity."

In 1986 the Air Force last received congressional approval for use of the land for its bombing range for 15 years.

Bache said it's appropriate the Legislature make its feelings known to Congress.

The Air Force is now asking Congress to allow it to use the land for at least 25 years or for an indefinite period.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has said he does not favor permanent withdrawal.

Bache's resolution notes there has been a "tremendous increase in population" in areas near the Nellis range, which has led to a demand for expansion of cities and towns as well as hunting, fishing, hiking and other recreational activities.

About 25 mining districts are located partially or entirely within the Nellis range.

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