Cortez Masto Hosts 28th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit Focused On Transportation, Innovative Solutions to Protect Lake Tahoe

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Delivered Keynote Address

You can watch Cortez Masto's full remarks here.

Lake Tahoe, Nev. - U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today hosted the 28th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit, bringing together federal, state, Tribal, and local leaders to discuss their joint efforts to preserve the lake for future generations. This year's summit-themed "Connecting Tahoe: Investing in Transit, Trails, and Technology for the Future"-focused on addressing transportation challenges and supporting innovative work to protect Lake Tahoe's natural beauty. Senator Cortez Masto has been a champion for Lake Tahoe in the U.S. Senate. In 2020, Cortez Masto hosted the 24th annual Tahoe Summit, and she is leading efforts to extend the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act through 2034.

"The world around us is changing, and Lake Tahoe's economy and the surrounding environment depend on our continued efforts to responsibly evolve and adapt," said Senator Cortez Masto. "Our goal is to ensure visitors and residents alike have access to as much outdoor recreation as possible, while protecting the Basin's natural environment and strengthening the economy in a way that gives back to our community. I will keep working with our Congressional Delegation, the administration, Tribes, and local stakeholders to extend the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act to keep Tahoe pristine for generations to come."

"Climate change is no longer just a 'threat' but rather a present danger to Americans all over the country - yet there is plenty of reason for hope and optimism to be found in the work being done by citizens, businesses, elected leaders, and the Biden-Harris Administration to reduce carbon pollution and make our communities more resilient in the face of extreme weather," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "Transportation policy is a huge part of that work. We're seeing it in Tahoe, where local leaders are prioritizing active transportation, transit investments, and infrastructure resilience, and we're seeing it on a national scale with this Administration's historic investments in EVs, public transit, passenger rail, and green shipping corridors."

Senator Cortez Masto was joined by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), and U.S. Representatives Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Washoe Tribe Chairman Serrell Smokey, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Secretary Buttigieg was a key player in the development, passage, and implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Since the law's passage, Secretary Buttigieg has focused on effectively delivering the investments provided by this legislation, enabling the most significant improvements in U.S. transportation infrastructure in over half a century. The Department of Transportation also recently delivered $24 million in funding from their Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program to extend the popular Tahoe East Shore Trail.

Senator Cortez Masto has been leading efforts in the Senate to conserve the region and protect the Lake. She recently passed legislation through the Senate to extend the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act for 10 years. As part of her Innovation State Initiative, Cortez Masto has introduced numerous bills to improve transportation options in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including legislation to fund smart transportation solutions and support the needs of high-traffic corridors. She also secured $24 million to extend the popular East Shore Train around Lake Tahoe, and almost $8 million to help the Tahoe Transportation District purchase new electric hybrid busses and improve transit safety. She secured nearly $17 million in funding for the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in addition to critical resources to address microplastic pollution in the Lake and to improve transportation options to and from Reno. She has led calls for a comprehensive, collaborative, and science-based approach to protect Lake Tahoe from the threat of climate change.

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