Restoring Lake Tahoe

The water clarity of Lake Tahoe decades ago was greater than 100 feet deep, but environmental degradation, caused in part by development, has taken its toll. Today the clarity is less than 70 feet.

Invasive species, including Asian clams, and green algae also threaten the nationÕs second-deepest lake, according to a report last year by researchers at the University of California, Davis.

These are reasons enough for Congress to swiftly approve bipartisan legislation introduced Tuesday by members of the Nevada and California congressional delegations to restore the lake, reduce the risk of area fires and preserve wildlife in the surrounding Tahoe Basin. The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2009, which would allocate $415Êmillion over the next eight years, would represent a continuation of efforts approved by Congress nearly a decade ago.

The initial legislation in Congress had been preceded in 1997 by President Bill ClintonÕs decision to commit $50Êmillion in federal funding to restore the lake — a pledge made when he and Vice President Al Gore attended an environmental summit there.

The latest bill enjoys broad support among Tahoe regional planners, area chambers of commerce, fire chiefs and environmental groups — and for good reason. Lake Tahoe, with its 72 miles of shoreline, possesses rare natural beauty that this country should be obligated to preserve before irreversible damage is done.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., aptly recognized this support when he said: ÒThis bill is a testament to the incredible level of commitment that people in and around Lake Tahoe have to this spectacular resource.Ó

Unfortunately, too many other environmental wonders in this country are going through rough times, a dire circumstance that extends from the beetle-infested forests of the West to the shrinking Everglades in Florida.

Lake Tahoe stands on the brink of going either way. The lake can either continue to deteriorate or it can be restored and preserved for future generations to enjoy.

We think the best option is obvious.