LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — April 22 is Earth Day, and many local businesses and community leaders are taking action to protect Southern Nevada lands.
Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto introduced The Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act to the U.S. Senate in February.
The bill proposes protections for more than two million acres of land, including spots like Red Rock Canyon and Desert National Wildlife Refuge. The bill would also expand tribal trust lands and desert tortoise habitats.
The conservation act also sets aside more land for affordable housing and growth.
RELATED: Public lands legislation receives bipartisan support from Nevada congressional delegation
Recently, local leaders including Commissioner Justin Jones and environmentalists urged Clark County to adopt a conservation resolution called 30 by 30. It’s a national movement to protect 30 percent of lands in the US by 2030.
“Climate is threatening a lot of these protected spaces and so we need to make sure we protect them for future generations,” Jones said.
The City of Las Vegas will also partner with MGM Resorts International to plant 25 trees in Centennial Hills Park on Thursday. The group says it's planning on cleaning up debris around the area, honoring this year’s Earth Day theme -- Restore our Earth.
Cleanup efforts will also happen in downtown Las Vegas. Small businesses will team up to show support for Earth Day and to show appreciation for customers who have supported small business through the pandemic.
