Tahoe restoration bill approved by House committee

WASHINGTON - A bill promoting critical restoration efforts at Lake Tahoe have been approved by the House Resources Committee.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., said the Lake Tahoe restoration Act "addresses the most environmentally important issues facing Lake Tahoe today which are air quality, water quality, soil conservation and forest health."

He said the bill encourages cooperation by requiring the U.S. Forest Service to work with local officials to develop environmental restoration priorities.

He said the $300 million plan represents the federal share of efforts to restore, protect and preserve the Tahoe Basin.

The measure now goes to the floor of the House for consideration.