The Senate Committee on Natural Resources was called to order by Chairman Dean A. Rhoads, at 2:45 p.m., on Friday, May 14, 1999, in Room 2144 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

Senator Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman

Senator Lawrence E. Jacobsen, Vice Chairman

Senator Mike McGinness

Senator Mark A. James

Senator Raymond C. Shaffer

Senator Bob Coffin

Senator Maggie Carlton

GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:

Assemblyman Douglas A. Bache, Clark County Assembly District No. 11

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

Fred Welden, Committee Policy Analyst

Scott Corbett, Committee Secretary

OTHERS PRESENT:

Bill Percival, Colonel, Commander, Air Warfare Center, Range Management Center, Nellis Air Force Base, spoke from prepared comments (Exhibit C) stating the reasons why the U.S. Air Force needs the Nellis Air Force Range. Colonel Percival used a slide presentation (Exhibit D) outlining these reasons.

Chairman Rhoads asked Colonel Percival if he is in agreement with the proposed amendment to A.J.R. 1 (Exhibit E). Colonel Percival replied that he has reviewed it and is in agreement with the proposed amendment. Chairman Rhoads explained the aspects of the proposed amendment, and added that Governor Kenny Guinn is in agreement with the language change to the resolution.

Senator James commented on the need for a strong national defense and pledged his support of A.J.R. 1.

Senator Jacobsen expressed his support for a strong national defense and extended his support for whatever the U.S. Air Force may need in regards to the Nellis Air Force Base.

Chairman Rhoads closed the hearing on A.J.R. 1 and opened the work session on A.B. 296.

Chairman Rhoads opened the work session on A.B. 358.

Chairman Rhoads opened the work session on A.B. 481.

Chairman Rhoads declared a recess until Senator McGinness returned to the committee.

Chairman Rhoads reconvened the meeting with a work session on A.B. 199, and added that the proposed amendment (Exhibit F) would only be applicable to interstate bodies of water.

Senator McGinness commented that he thinks boater education is a great idea, but believes rural Nevada needs time to accept a new concept, and probably would be more receptive in 2 years.

Senator James commented that his concern with this measure is the enforcement because people from out of state are exempt from this boating education, and if a person were stopped this would only be a secondary offense.

Senator Carlton added that A.B. 199 would only apply to Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead as amended, which are the two most dangerous lakes in the state.

Chairman Rhoads recessed the meeting for the Subcommittee on Natural Resources meeting concerning A.B. 347 and A.B. 408.

Chairman Rhoads reconvened the full committee, and commented that the recommendation from the subcommittee on A.B. 408 was amend and do pass with the proposed amendment (Exhibit F).

Senator Carlton commented, "When I read this I’m [I am] not sure if this compromise is really good public policy for everyone." Senator Carlton added that she understands there are other problems associated with A.B. 408, and that it is tied to another bill for a state-funded grant to which she objects.

Senator James declared that he believes A.B. 408 is good public policy, and that previous water law concerning well owners is bad public policy.

Chairman Rhoads asked Assemblyman Douglas A. Bache, Clark County Assembly District No. 11, if he had any comments on A.J.R. 1.

Assemblyman Bache commented that he has concerns with the removal of language with references to possible mining and recreational land, and would like the review language specified.

With no further business before the committee, the chairman adjourned the meeting at 3:18 p.m.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

Scott Corbett,

Committee Secretary

APPROVED BY:

Senator Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman

DATE: