Where does control of Nevada’s land belong?
The battle for power is a never ending human condition. The quest for control over Nevada’s land area is no exception. In my research into Federal control over land in the United States, I found that the federal government controls much less land in the East verses the West. But either way you look at it, whether it be the cost that would be placed on the State to take control of it’s 84.9%, currently held by the federal government, or the money it would make parceling off those pieces, not everyone will agree with the results. As a non-native of Nevada, I do not yet feel that I can speak on behalf of what is in this state’s best interest. But I have been learning some about the immense growth that the city of Las Vegas has been pushing for. The push for a football and hockey team, but public schools are struggling. Flooding the market with new construction homes, without the market to buy them. I can understand there is a desire to be considered a great city, but true greatness comes with time and maturity. Is the State of Nevada ready to take back it’s nearly 85% of Federal governed lands? If the rest of the state is like the city we live in, I don’t think it is prepared for the responsibilities or financial burden. I also fear for the future of some of our national parks if management was to be turned over to the states. And if cattle ranchers were to have free reign over larger areas, what would that do to the ecosystem? Regardless of how we feel as citizens, it is each State’s right under the 10th Amendment to govern itself in all areas not federally possessed under the Constitution of the United States of America. As for assessing what revenue sources should be used to govern the lands, if they were to be returned, I believe that Nevada should continue on it’s current path. Especially in the taxable area of gaming, which seems to be working well. I believe more research must be done before a compromise should be made in the gradual transfer of possession of the lands back into the hands of it’s people.