Washington, DC – The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2010, co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), was passed today by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The legislation will now go to the full Senate.

“Today’s action by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is good news,” Senator Feinstein said. “Lake Tahoe faces many serious threats, and if we don’t act on them, the ‘Jewel of the Sierra’ could be lost forever.

“These threats include invasive species such as the quagga mussel – which could decimate the Lake and the region’s economy – the dead, dying and downed trees that threaten to fuel catastrophic wildfires, and the pollution and sedimentation which threaten to cloud the Lake’s fabled water clarity.

“This bill addresses all of these threats. It is a strong, bipartisan effort to save Lake Tahoe, today and for future generations. I urge the full Senate to vote for this important legislation.”

The legislation was introduced last year by Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.). In addition to Senator Feinstein, it is co-sponsored by Senators John Ensign (R-Nev.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). It would authorize $415 million over eight years to mount a robust attack against threats facing Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Basin. Key funding would include:

• $248 million for the highest-priority restoration projects, according to scientific data.
  
• $136 million to reduce the wildfire threat.
  
• $20 million for watercraft inspections, removal of existing invasive species. 
  
• $20 million to reintroduce the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. 
  
• $30 million for scientific programs and research to produce information on long-term trends in the Tahoe Basin.

###