204 



I support programs which have the effect of returning as many 

 Federally-owned lands to private Nevadans as possible. 



Certainly, environmental concerns should be addressed. The 

 presence of the proposed Coyote Springs Valley facility raises ques- 

 tions regarding the company's impact on water, native plants and 

 animals, and environmentally sensitive species, such as the desert 

 tortoise. 



In addition, questions have also been aimed concerning a pro- 

 posed power utility corridor through the property for future power 

 projects. 



Agencies of the State of Nevada have joined with Aerojet and 

 Federal agencies to develop appropriate mitigations which are at- 

 tached to this legislation. The Nevada Department of Wildlife and I 

 have insisted upon various mitigation measures, which include the 

 setting aside of 18,000 acres for a nature conservatory. In addition, 

 provisions have been included for the installation of wildlife water- 

 ing devices. 



The State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 

 as well as the State Water Engineer, will require permits for any 

 water use. In addition, these agencies will closely monitor Aerojet's 

 activities and have indicated to me that any permit for water use 

 or waste disposal will be conditioned upon the company's compli- 

 ance to the State's strict requirements. 



From my tenure in the Nevada State Senate's Committee on 

 Natural Resources, I can attest first-hand that Nevada's standards 

 in these areas are among the most stringent in the Nation. I might 

 add that over one-fifth of the property has been dedicated to pro- 

 viding a power corridor for future power needs. 



Mr. Chairman, the proposed legislation, if enacted, would not 

 only bring jobs to Nevada, but would expand her property tax rolls. 



I join the Governor of Nevada, the other Members of the Con- 

 gressional delegation, the Nevada Association of Counties, the 

 Board of County Commissioners of Clark and Lincoln Counties, the 

 City of North Las Vegas, the Pioche Town Board, the Alamo Town 

 Board, the Panaca Town Board, and the Caliente City Council in 

 support of this measure. 



This bill represents a sound balance between economic diversifi- 

 cation and environmental sensitivity. 



Mr. Chairman, I support environmental concerns. I think that 

 any Member who comes here, anybody who testifies knows that I 

 feel I am strong on environmental issues. I would be the first to 

 condemn this project if I thought it would environmentally destroy 

 that area of central Nevada. 



I feel that we must build in the safeguards in this procedure with 

 Aerojet. We have t)o work with Aerojet to make sure that some of 

 the things, that some of these people who are testifying today are 

 concerned about do not happen. If I thought it was going to ruin 

 the southern pary of Lincoln County and the northern part of 

 Clark by doing some of the acts that I have been told could happen, 

 I would be the first to stand here and oppose this bill. 



I think we can (Work out this problem. I think we need Aerojet to 

 come into Southern Nevada. I think it is good for the State, it is 

 good for the county, it is good for the people of the State, and I 

 think we can work out our problems. 



