Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026

The bill would amend Public Law 96-586 to modernize the authority of the Forest Service to acquire and administer land under that Act. Congress passed the original Santini-Burton Act in 1980, when Tahoe's clarity was declining and Southern Nevada was growing rapidly, directing proceeds from certain federal land sales in Southern Nevada to support environmental protection and public land acquisition in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Changes to the Santini-Burton Act in the 2000s inadvertently limited the law's scope so funds could only be used to acquire land, but not to manage those lands. If enacted, the modernization would free up existing funds for ongoing management, allowing the Tahoe Basin to complete more lake-saving Environmental Improvement Program projects to protect Tahoe's famed clarity, improve recreation access, manage forests, reduce wildfire risk, and expand the presence of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. The updated law would allow Santini-Burton funds to support forest and fuels treatments that reduce wildfire risk, restoration projects that protect Lake Tahoe's water quality, infrastructure improvements that make recreation more sustainable, and stewardship investments on lands already held in public trust.