La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act
Summary
The La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey approximately 3,400 acres of federal land in Arizona to La Paz County. This land is intended for solar energy development and job creation. The conveyance is subject to certain restrictions, including the protection of cultural, environmental, wildlife, and recreational resources, and requires the county to pay fair market value and all related costs.
Expected Effects
La Paz County will gain control of federal land for potential solar energy projects. This could lead to increased renewable energy production and new employment opportunities in the region. The federal government will receive fair market value for the land and reduce its land management responsibilities.
Potential Benefits
- Potential for increased solar energy production.
- Creation of new jobs in the renewable energy sector.
- Economic development in La Paz County.
- Revenue generation for the federal government through the sale of land.
- Potential for reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disturbance of Tribal cultural artifacts if not properly managed.
- Loss of federal land for other potential uses.
- Environmental impacts from solar energy development, such as habitat loss.
- Financial burden on La Paz County to purchase the land and cover related costs.
- Exclusion of land with significant resources could limit project scope.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and regulate federal territory and property. The Act also aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by promoting economic development and job creation. The Act includes provisions to protect Tribal cultural artifacts, which aligns with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).