A bill to grant the consent of the Congress to the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact, and to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture and others to cooperate with the planning agency thereby created.
PL 96-551 (H.R.8235), enacted 12/19/1980

PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19,1980 
94 STAT. 3233 
Public Law 96-
96th Congress 
•551 
An Act 
To grant the consent of the Congress to the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact, and 
to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture and others to cooperate with the plan-
ning agency thereby created. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, That in order to 
encourage the wise use and conservation of the waters of Lake Tahoe 
and of the resources of the area around said lake, the consent of the 
Congress is hereby given to the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact 
heretofore adopted by the States of California and Nevada, which 
compact reads as follows: 
TAHOE REGIONAL PLANNING COMPACT 
ARTICLE I.—FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS OF POLICY 
(a) It is found and declared that: 
(1) The waters of Lake Tahoe and other resources of the region 
are threatened with deterioration or degeneration, which endan-
gers the natural beauty and economic productivity of the region. 
(2) The public and private interests and investments in the 
region are substantial. 
(3) The region exhibits unique environmental and ecological 
values which are irreplaceable. 
(4) By virtue of the special conditions and circumstances of the 
region's natural ecology, developmental pattern, population dis-
tribution and human needs, the region is experiencing problems 
of resource use and deficiencies of environmental control. 
(5) Increasing urbanization is threatening the ecological values 
of the region and threatening the public opportunities for use of 
the public lands. 
(6) Maintenance of the social and economic health of the region 
depends on maintaining the significant scenic, recreational, 
educational, scientific, natural and public health values provided 
by the Lake Tahoe Basin. 
(7) There is a public interest in protecting, preserving and 
enhancing these values for the residents of the region and for 
visitors to the region. 
(8) Responsibilities for providing recreational and scientific 
opportunities, preserving scenic and natural areas, and safe-
guarding the public who live, work and play in or visit the region 
are divided among local governments, regional agencies, the 
States of California and Nevada, and the Federal Government. 
(9) In recognition of the public investment and multistate and 
national significance of the recreational values, the Federal 
Government has an interest in the acquisition of recreational 
property and the management of resources in the region to 
preserve environmental and recreational values, and the Federal 
Dec. 19, 1980 
[H.R. 8235] 
Tahoe Regional 
Planning 
Compact. 
Congressional 
consent. 
94 STAT. 3234 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
Government should assist the States in fulfilling 
their 
responsibilities. 
(10) In order to preserve the scenic beauty and outdoor recre-
ational opportunities of the region, there is a need to insure an 
equilibrium between the region's natural endowment and its 
manmade environment. 
0)) In order to enhance the efficiency and governmental effective-
ness of the region, it is imperative that there be established a Tahoe 
Regional Planning Agency with the powers conferred by this compact 
including the power to establish environmental threshold canying 
capacities and to adopt and enforce a regional plan and implementing 
ordinances which will achieve and maintain such capacities while 
providing opportunities for orderly growth and development consist-
ent with such capacities. 
(c) The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency shall interpret and 
administer its plans, ordinances, rules and regulations in accordance 
with the provisions of this compact. 
ARTICLE II.—DEFINITIONS 
As used in this compact: 
(a) "Region," includes Lake Tahoe, the adjacent parts of Douglas 
and Washoe Counties and Carson City, which for the purposes of this 
compact shall be deemed a county, Ijdng within the Tahoe Basin in 
the State of Nevada, and the adjacent parts of the counties of Placer 
and El Dorado Ijdng within the Tahoe Basin in the State of California, 
and that additional and adjacent part of the county of Placer outside 
of the Tahoe Basin in the State of California which lies southward 
and eastward of a line starting at the intersection of the basin 
Crestline and the north boundary of section 1, thence west to the 
northwest corner of section 3, thence south to the intersection of the 
basin crestline and the west boundary of section 10; all sections 
referring to township 15 north, range 16 east, M.D.B. & M. The 
region defined and described herein shall be EIS precisely delineated 
on official maps of the agency. 
0)) "Agency" means the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. 
(c) "Governing body" means the governing board of the Tahoe 
Regional Planning Agency. 
(d) "Regional plan" means the long-term general plan for the 
development of the region. 
(e) "Planning commission" means the advisory planning commis-
sion appointed pursuant to subdivision (h) of article III. 
(f) "Gaming" means to deal, operate, carry on, conduct, maintain or 
expose for play any banking or percentage game played with cards, 
dice or any mechanical device or machine for money, property, 
checks, credit or any representative of value, including, without 
limiting the generality of the foregoing, faro, monte, roulette, keno, 
bingo, fantan, twenty-one, blackjack, seven-and-a-half, big injun, 
klondike, craps, stud poker, draw poker or slot machine, but does not 
include social games played solely for drinks, or cigars or cigarettes 
served individually, games played in private homes or residences for 
prizes or games operated by charitable or educational organizations, 
to the extent excluded by applicable State law. 
(g) "Restricted gaming license" means a license to operate not more 
than 15 slot machines on which a quarterly fee is charged pursuant to 
NRS 463.373 and no other games. 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3235 
(h) "Project" means an activity undertaken by any person, includ-
ing any public agency, if the activity may substantially affect the 
land, water, air, space or any other natural resources of the region. 
(i) "Environmental threshold carrying capacity" means an envi-
ronmental standard necessary to maintain a significant scenic, recre-
ational, educational, scientific or natural value of the region or to 
maintain public health and safety within the region. Such standards 
shall include but not be limited to standards for air quality, water 
quality, soil conservation, vegetation preservation and noise. 
0") "Feasible" means capable of being accomplished in a successful 
manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account 
economic, environmental, social and technological factors. 
(k) "Areas open to public use" means all of the areas within a 
structure housing gaming under a nonrestricted license except areas 
devoted to the private use of guests. 
(1) "Areas devoted to private use of guests" means hotel rooms and 
hallways to serve hotel room areas, and any parking areas. A hallway 
serves hotel room areas if more than 50 percent of the areas on each 
side of the hallway are hotel rooms. 
(m) "Nonrestricted license" means a gaming license which is not a 
restricted gaming license. 
ARTICLE IIL—ORGANIZATION 
(a) There is created the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency as a 
separate legal entity. 
The governing body of the agency shall be constituted as follows: 
(1) California delegation: 
(A) One member appointed by each of the county boards 
of supervisors of the counties of El Dorado and Placer and 
one member appointed by the city council of the city of 
South Lake Tahoe. Any such member may be a member of 
the county board of supervisors or city council, respectively, 
and shall reside in the territorial jurisdiction of the govern-
mental body making the appointment. 
(B) Two members appointed by the Governor of California, 
one member appointed by the speaker of the assembly of 
California and one member appointed by the senate rules 
committee of the State of California. The members 
appointed pursuant to this subparagraph shall not be resi-
dents of the region and shall represent the public at large 
within the State of California. 
(2) Nevada delegation: 
(A) One member appointed by each of the boards of county 
commissioners of Douglas and Washoe Counties and one 
member appointed by the board of supervisors of Carson 
City. Any such member may be a member of the board of 
county commissioners or board of supervisors, respectively, 
and shall reside in the territorial jurisdiction of the govern-
mental body making the appointment. 
(B) One member appointed by the Governor of Nevada, the 
secretary of State of Nevada or his designee, and the director 
of the State department of conservation and natural 
resources of Nevada or his designee. Except for the secretary 
of State and the director of the State department of conserva-
tion and natural resources, the members or designees 
appointed pursuant to this subparagraph shall not be resi-
dents of the region. All members appointed pursuant to this 
Establishment. 
California 
delegation, 
membership. 
Nevada 
delegation, 
membership. 
94 STAT. 3236 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
Term. 
Vacancies. 
"Economic 
interests." 
Expenses. 
subparagraph shall represent the public at large within the 
State of Nevada. 
(C) One member appointed for a 1-year term by the six 
other members of the Nevada delegation. If at least four 
members of the Nevada delegation are unable to agree upon 
the selection of a seventh member within 60 days after the 
effective date of the amendments to this compact or the 
occurrence of a vacancy on the governing body for that State 
the Governor of the State of Nevada shall make such an 
appointment. The member appointed pursuant to this sub-
paragraph may, but is not required to, be a resident of the 
region within the State of Nevada. 
(3) If any appointing authority under paragraph (1)(A), (1)(B), 
(2)(A) or (2)(B) fails to make such an appointment within 60 days 
after the effective date of the amendments to this compact or the 
occurrence of a vacancy on the governing body, the Governor of 
the State in which the appointing authority is located shall make 
the appointment. The term of any member so appointed shall be 
1 year. 
(4) The position of any member of the governing body shall be 
deemed vacant if such a member is absent from three consecutive 
meetings of the governing body in any calendar year. 
(5) Each member and employee of the agency shall disclose his 
economic interests in the region within 10 days after taking his 
seat on the governing board or being employed by the agency and 
shall thereafter disclose any further economic interest which he 
acquires, as soon as feasible after he acquires it. As used in this 
paragraph, "economic interests" means: 
(A) Any business entity operating in the region in which 
the member or employee has a direct or indirect investment 
worth more than $1,000. 
(B) Any real property located in the region in which the 
member or employee has a direct or indirect interest worth 
more than $1,000. 
(C) Any source of income attributable to activities in the 
region, other than loans by or deposits with a commercial 
lending institution in the regular course of business, aggre-
gating $250 or more in value received by or promised to the 
member within the preceding 12 months; or 
(D) Any business entity operating in the region in which 
the member or employee is a director, officer, partner, 
trustee, employee or holds any position of management. 
No member or employee of the agency shall make, or attempt to 
influence, an agency decision in which he knows or has reason to 
know he has an economic interest. Members and employees of 
the agency must disqualify themselves from making or partici-
pating in the making of the agency when it is reasonably 
foreseeable that the decision will have a material financial effect, 
distinguishable from its effect on the public generally, on the 
economic interests of the member or employee, 
(b) The members of the agency shall serve without compensation, 
but the expenses of each member shall be met by the body which he 
represents in accordance with the law of that body. All other 
expenses incurred by the governing body in the course of exercising 
the powers conferred upon it by this compact unless met in some 
other manner specifically provided, shall be paid by the agency out of 
its own funds. 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3237 
(c) Except for the secretary of State and director of the State 
department of conservation and natural resources of Nevada and the 
member appointed pul-suant to subdivision (a)(2)(C), the members of 
the governing body serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority 
in each case, but each appointment shall be reviewed no less often 
than every 4 years. Members may be reappointed. 
(d) The governing body of the agency shall meet at least monthly. 
All meetings shall be open to the public to the extent required by the 
law of the State of California or the State of Nevada, whichever 
imposes the greater requirement, applicable to local governments at 
the time such meeting is held. The governing body shall fix a date for 
its regular monthly meeting in such terms as "the first Monday of 
each month," and shall not change such date more often than once in 
any calendar year. Notice of the date so fixed shall be given by 
publication at least once in a newspaper or combination of newspa-
pers whose circulation is general throughout the region and in each 
county a portion of whose territory lies within the region. Notice of 
any special meeting, except an emergency meeting, shall be given by 
so publishing the date and place and posting an agenda at least 5 days 
prior to the meeting. 
(e) The position of a member of the governing body shall be 
considered vacated upon his loss of any of the qualifications required 
for his appointment and in such event the appointing authority shall 
appoint a successor. 
(f) The governing body shall elect from its own members a chair-
man and vice chairman, whose terms of office shall be 2 years, and 
who may be reelected. If a vacancy occurs in either office, the 
governing body may fill such vacancy for the unexpired term. 
(g) Four of the members of the governing body from each State 
constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the agency. 
The voting procedures shall be as follows: 
(1) For adopting, amending or repealing environmental thresh-
old carrying capacities, the regional plan, and ordinances, rules 
and regulations, and for granting variances from the ordinances, 
rules and regulations, the vote of at least four of the members of 
each State agreeing with the vote of at least four members of the 
other State shall be required to take action. If there is no vote of 
at least four of the members from one State agreeing with the 
vote of at least four of the members of the other State on the 
actions specified in this paragraph, an action of rejection shall be 
deemed to have been taken. 
(2) For approving a project, the affirmative vote of at least five 
members from the State in which the project is located and the 
affirmative vote of at least nine members of the governing body 
are required. If at least five members of the governing body from 
the State in which the project is located and at least nine 
members of the entire governing body do not vote in favor of the 
project, upon a motion for approval, an action of rejection shall 
be deemed to have been taken. A decision by the agency to 
approve a project shall be supported by a statement of findings, 
adopted by the agency, which indicates that the project complies 
with the regional plan and with applicable ordinances, rules and 
regulations of the agency. 
(3) For routine business and for directing the agency's staff on 
litigation and enforcement actions, at least eight members of the 
governing body must agree to take action. If at least eight votes 
in favor of such action are not cast, an action of rejection shall be 
deemed to have been taken. 
Monthly 
meetings. 
Vacancies. 
Chairman and 
vice chairman, 
terms. 
Voting 
procedures. 
79-194 
O—81—pt. 3 
38 : QL3 
94 STAT. 3238 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
Advisory 
planning 
commission. 
Term. 
Vacancies. 
Chairman and 
vice chairman, 
terms. 
Whenever under the provisions of this compact or any ordinance, 
rule, regulation or policy adopted pursuant thereto, the agency is 
required to review or approve any project, public or private, the 
agency shall take final action by vote, whether to approve, to require 
modification or to reject such project, within 180 days after the 
application for such project is accepted as complete by the agency in 
compliance with the agency's rules and regulations governing such 
delivery unless the applicant has agreed to an extension of this time 
limit. If a final action by vote does not take place within 180 days, the 
applicant may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to 
compel a vote unless he has agreed to an extension. This provision 
does not limit the right of any person to obtain judicial review of 
agency action under subdivision (h) of article VI. The vote of each 
member of the governing body shall be individually recorded. The 
governing body shall adopt its own rules, regulations and procedures. 
(h) An advisory planning commission shall be appointed by the 
agency. The commission shall include: The chief planning officers of 
Placer County, El Dorado County, and the city of South Lake Tahoe 
in California and of Douglas County, Washoe County and Carson City 
in Nevada, the executive officer of the Lahontan Regional Water 
Quality Control Board of the State of California, the executive officer 
of the Air Resources Board of the State of California, the director of 
the State department of conservation and natural resources of the 
State of Nevada, the administrator of the division of environmental 
protection in the State department of conservation and natural 
resources of the State of Nevada, the administrator of the Lake Tahoe 
Management Unit of the United States Forest Service, and at least 
four lay members with an equal number from each State, at least half 
of whom shall be residents of the region. Any official member may 
designate an alternate. 
The term of office of each lay member of the advisory planning 
commission shall be 2 years. Members may be reappointed. 
The position of each member of the advisory planning commission 
shall be considered vacated upon loss of any of the qualifications 
required for appointments, and in such an event the appointing 
authority shall appoint a successor. 
The advisory planning commission shall elect from its own mem-
bers a chairman and a vice chairman, whose terms of office shall be 2 
years and who may be reelected. If a vacancy occurs in either office, 
the advisory planning commission shall fill such vacancy for the 
unexpired term. 
A majority of the members of the advisory planning commission 
constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the business of the 
commission. A majority vote of the quorum present shall be required 
to take action with respect to any matter. 
(i) The agency shall establish and maintain an office within the 
region, and for this purpose the agency may rent or own property and 
equipment. Every plan, ordinance and other record of the agency 
which is of such nature as to constitute a public record under the law 
of either the State of California or the State of Nevada shall be open 
to inspection and copying during regular office hours. 
(j) Ea'ch authority charged under this compact or by the law of 
either State with the duty of appointing a member of the governing 
body of the agency shall by certified copy of its resolution or other 
action notify the Secretary of State of its own State of the action 
taken. 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3239 
ARTICLE IV.—PERSONNEL 
(a) The governing body shall determine the qualification of, and it 
shall appoint and fix the salary of, the executive officer of the agency, 
and shall employ such other staff and legal counsel as may be 
necessary to execute the powers and functions provided for under this 
compact or in accordance with any intergovernmental contracts or 
agreements the agency may be responsible for administering. 
(b) Agency personnel standards and regulations shall conform 
insofar as possible to the regulations and procedures of the civil 
service of the State of California or the State of Nevada, as may be 
determined by the governing body of the agency; and shall be 
regional and bistate in application and effect; provided that the 
governing body may, for administrative convenience and at its 
discretion, assign the administration of designated personnel 
arrangements to an agency of either State, and provided that admin-
istratively convenient adjustments be made in the standards and 
regulations governing personnel assigned under intergovernmental 
agreements. 
(c) The agency may establish and maintain or participate in such 
additional programs of employee benefits as may be appropriate to 
afford employees of the agency terms and conditions of employment 
similar to those enjoyed by employees of California and Nevada 
generally. 
ARTICLE V.—PLANNING 
(1) In preparing each of the plans required by this article and each 
amendment thereto, if any, subsequent to its adoption, the planning 
commission after due notice shall hold at least one public hearing 
which may be continued from time to time, and shall review the 
testimony and any written recommendations presented at such 
hearing before recommending the plan or amendment. The notice 
required by this subdivision shall be given at least 20 days prior to the 
public hearing by publication at least once in a newspaper or 
combination of newspapers whose circulation is general throughout 
the region and in each county a portion of whose territory lies within 
the region. 
The planning commission shall then recommend such plan or 
amendment to the governing body for adoption by ordinance. The 
governing body may adopt, modify or reject the proposed plan or 
amendment, or may initiate and adopt a plan or amendment without 
referring it to the planning commission. If the governing body 
initiates or substantially modifies a plan or amendment, it shall hold 
at least one public hearing thereon after due notice as required in this 
subdivision. 
If a request is made for the amendment of the regional plan by: 
(1) A political subdivision a part of whose territory would be 
affected by such amendment; or 
(2) The owner or lessee of real property which would be 
affected by such amendment, 
the governing body shall complete its action on such amendment 
within 180 days after such request is accepted as complete according 
to standards which must be prescribed by ordinance of the agency, 
(b) The agency shall develop, in cooperation with the States of 
California and Nevada, environmental threshold carrying capacities 
for the region. The agency should request the President's Council on 
Environmental Quality, the U.S. Forest Service and other appropri-
ate agencies to assist in developing such environmental threshold 
Hearing. 
Environmental 
threshold 
carrying 
capacities. 
94 STAT. 3240 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
Regional plan. 
Land-use. 
Transportation. 
Conservation. 
carrying capacities. Within 18 months after the effective date of the 
amendments to this compact, the agency shall adopt environmental 
threshold carrying capacities for the region. 
(c) Within 1 year after the adoption of the environmental threshold 
carrying capacities for the region, the agency shall amend the 
regional plan so that, at a minimum, the plan and all of its elements, 
as implemented through agency ordinances, rules and regulations, 
achieves and maintains the adopted environmental threshold carry-
ing capacities. Each element of the plan shall contain implementa-
tion provisions and time schedules for such implementation by 
ordinance. The planning commission and governing body shall con-
tinuously review and maintain the regional plan. The regional plan 
shall consist of a diagram, or diagrams, and text, or texts setting forth 
the projects and proposals for implementation of the regional plan, a 
description of the needs and goals of the region and a statement of the 
policies, standards and elements of the regional plan. 
The regional plan shall be a single enforceable plan and includes 
all of the following correlated elements: 
(1) A land-use plan for the integrated arrangement and general 
location and extent of, and the criteria and standards for, the uses of 
land, water, air, space and other natural resources within the region, 
including but not limited to an indication or allocation of maximum 
population densities and permitted uses. 
(2) A transportation plan for the integrated development of a 
regional system of transportation, including but not limited to 
parkways, highways, transportation facilities, transit routes, water-
ways, navigation facilities, public transportation facilities, bicycle 
facilities, and appurtenant terminals and facilities for the movement 
of people and goods within the region. The goal of transportation 
planning shall be: 
(A) To reduce dependency on the automobile by making more 
effective use of existing transportation modes and of public 
transit to move people and goods within the region; and 
(B) To reduce to the extent feasible air pollution which is 
caused by motor vehicles. 
Where increases in capacity are required, the agency shall give 
preference to providing such capacity through public transportation 
and public programs and projects related to transportation. The 
agency shall review and consider all existing transportation plans in 
preparing its regional transportation plan pursuant to this 
paragraph. 
The plan shall provide for an appropriate transit system for the 
region. 
The plan shall give consideration to: 
(A) Completion of the Loop Road in the States of Nevada and 
California; 
(B) Utilization of a light rail mass transit system in the South 
Shore area; and 
(C) Utilization of a transit terminal in the Kingsbury Grade 
area. 
Until the regional plan is revised, or a new transportation plan is 
adopted in accordance with this paragraph, the agency has no 
effective transportation plan. 
(3) A conservation plan for the preservation, development, utiliza-
tion, and management of the scenic and other natural resources 
within the basin, including but not limited to, soils, shoreline and 
submerged lands, scenic corridors along transportation routes, open 
spaces, recreational and historical facilities. 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3241 
Public services 
and facilities. 
(4) A recreation plan for the development, utilization, and manage- Recreation 
ment of the recreational resources of the region, including but not 
limited to, wilderness and forested lands, parks and parkways, riding 
and hiking trails, beaches and playgrounds, marinas, areas for skiing 
and other recreational facilities. 
(5) A public services and facilities plan for the general location, 
scale and provision of public services and facilities, which, by the 
nature of their function, size, extent and other characteristics are 
necessary or appropriate for inclusion in the regional plan. 
In formulating and maintaining the regional plan, the planning 
commission and governing body shall take account of and shall seek 
to harmonize the needs of the region as a whole, the plans of the 
counties and cities within the region, the plans and planning activi-
ties of the State, Federal and other public agencies and nongovern-
mental agencies and organizations which affect or are concerned 
with planning and development within the region. 
(d) The regional plan snail provide for attaining and maintaining 
Federal, State, or local air and water quality standards, whichever are 
strictest, in the respective portions of the region for which the 
standards are applicable. 
The agency may, however, adopt air or water quality standards or 
control measures more stringent than the applicable State implemen-
tation plan or the applicable Federal, State, or local standards for the 
region, if it finds that such additional standards or control measures 
are necessary to achieve the purposes of this compact. Each element 
of the regional plan, where applicable, shall, by ordinance, identify 
the means and time schedule by which air and water quality 
standards will be attained. 
(e) Except for the Regional Transportation Plan of the California 
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the regional plan, ordinances, 
rules and regulations adopted by the California Tahoe Regional 
Planning Agency in effect on July 1,1980, shall be the regional plan, 
ordinances, rules and regulations of the Tahoe Regional Planning 
Agency for that portion of the Tahoe region located in the State of 
California. Such plan, ordinance, rule or regulation may be amended 
or repealed by the governing body of the agency. The plans, ordi-
nances, rules and regulations of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency 
that do not conflict with, or are not addressed by, the California 
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's plans, ordinances, rules and 
regulations referred to in this subdivision shall continue to be 
applicable unless amended or repealed by the governing body of the 
agency. No provision of the regional plan, ordinances, rules and 
regulations of the California Tahoe Regional Planning Agency 
referred to in this subdivision shall apply to that portion of the region 
within the State of Nevada, unless such provision is adopted for the 
Nevada portion of the region by the governing body of the agency. 
(f) The regional plan, ordinances, rules and regulations of the 
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency apply to that portion of the region 
within the State of Nevada. 
(g) The agency shall adopt ordinances prescribing specific written 
findings that the agency must make prior to approving any project in 
the region. These findings shall relate to environmental protection 
and shall insure that the project under review will not adversely 
affect implementation of the regional plan and will not cause the 
adopted environmental threshold carrying capacities of the region to 
be exceeded. 
(h) The agency shall maintain the data, maps and other informa-
tion developed in the course of formulating and administering the 
94 STAT. 3242 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
regional plan, in a form suitable to assure a consistent view of 
developmental trends and other relevant information for the avail-
ability of and use by other agencies of government and by private 
organizations and individuals concerned. 
(i) Where necessary for the realization of the regional plan, the 
agency may engage in collaborative planning with local governmen-
tal jurisdictions located outside the region, but contiguous to its 
boundaries. In formulating and implementing the regional plan, the 
agency shall seek the cooperation and consider the recommendations 
of counties and cities and other agencies of local government, of 
State and Federal agencies, of educational institutions and research 
organizations, whether public or private, and of civic groups and 
private persons. 
ARTICLE VI.—AGENCY'S POWERS 
(a) The governing body shall adopt all necessary ordinances, rules, 
and regulations to effectuate the adopted regional plan. Except as 
otherwise provided in this compact, every such ordinance, rule or 
regulation shall establish a minimum standard applicable through-
out the region. Any political subdivision or public agency may adopt 
and enforce an equal or higher requirement applicable to the same 
subject of regulation in its territory. The regulations of the agency 
shall contain standards including but not limited to the following: 
Water purity and clarity; subdivision; zoning; tree removal; solid 
waste disposal; sewage disposal; land fills, excavations, cuts and 
grading; piers, harbors, breakwaters or channels and other shoreline 
developments; wEiste disposal in shoreline areas; waste disposal from 
boats; mobile-home parks; house relocation; outdoor advertising; 
flood plain protection; soil and sedimentation control; air pollution; 
and watershed protection. Whenever possible without diminishing 
the effectiveness of the regional plan, the ordinances, rules, regula-
tions and policies shall be confined to matters which are general and 
regional in application, leaving to the jurisdiction of the respective 
States, counties and cities the enactment of specific and local ordi-
nances, rules, regulations and policies which conform to the regional 
plan. 
The agency shall prescribe by ordinance those activities which it 
has determined will not have substantial effect on the land, water, 
air, space or any other natural resources in the region and therefore 
will be exempt from its review and approval. 
Every ordinance adopted by the agency shall be published at least 
once by title in a newspaper or combination of newspapers whose 
circulation is general throughout the region. Except an ordinance 
adopting or amending the regional plan, no ordinance shall become 
effective until 60 days after its adoption. Immediately after its 
adoption, a copy of each ordinance shall be transmitted to the 
governing body of each political subdivision having territory within 
the region. 
Projects, 
(b) No project other than those to be reviewed and approved under 
development. 
^j^^ special provisions of subdivisions (d), (e), (f) and (g) may be 
developed in the region without obtaining the review and approval of 
the agency and no project may be approved unless it is found to 
comply with the regional plan and with the ordinances, rules and 
regulations enacted pursuant to subdivision (a) to effectuate that 
plan. The agency may approve a project in the region only after 
making the written findings required by this subdivision or subdivi-
sion (g) of article V. Such findings shall be based on substantial 
evidence in the record. 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3243 
Before adoption by the agency of the ordinances required in 
subdivision (g) of article V, the agency may approve a project in the 
region only after making written findings on the basis of substantial 
evidence in the record that the project is consistent with the regional 
plan then in effect and with applicable plans, ordinances, regulations, 
and standards of Federal and State agencies relating to the protec-
tion, maintenance and enhancement of environmental quality in the 
region. 
(c) The legislatures of the States of California and Nevada find that 
in order to make effective the regional plan as revised by the agency, 
it is necessary to halt temporarily works of development in the region 
which might otherwise absorb the entire capability of the region for 
further development or direct it out of harmony with the ultimate 
plan. Subject to the limitation provided in this subdivision, from the 
effective date of the amendments to this compact until the regional 
plan is amended pursuant to subdivision (c) of article V, or until 
May 1, 1983, whichever is earlier: 
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, no new 
subdivision, planned unit development, or condominium project 
may be approved unless a complete tentative map or plan has 
been approved before the effective date of the amendments to 
this compact by all agencies having jurisdiction. The subdivision 
of land owned by a general improvement district, which existed 
and owned the land before the effective date of the amendments 
to this compact, may be approved if subdivision of the land is 
necessary to avoid insolvency of the district. 
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), no apartment building 
may be erected unless the required permits for such building 
have been secured from all agencies having jurisdiction, prior to 
the effective date of the amendments to this compact. 
(3) During each of the calendar years 1980, 1981 and 1982, no 
city or county may issue building permits which authorize the 
construction of a greater number of new residential units within 
the region than were authorized within the region by building 
permits issued by that city or county during the calendar year 
1978. For the period of January through April, 1983, building 
permits authorizing the construction of no more than one-third 
of that number may be issued by each such city or county. For 
purposes of this paragraph a "residential unit' means either a 
single family residence or an individual residential unit within a 
larger building, such as an apartment building, a duplex or a 
condominium. 
The legislatures find the respective numbers of residential units 
authorized within the region during the calendar year 1978 to be as 
follows: 
1. City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County (combined) 
252 
2. Placer County 
278 
3. Carson City 
0 
4. Douglas County 
339 
5. Washoe County 
739 
(4) During each of the calendar years 1980, 1981 and 1982, no 
city or county may issue building permits which authorize 
construction of a greater square footage of new commercial 
buildings within the region than were authorized within the 
region by building permits for commercial purposes issued by 
that city or county during the calendar year 1978. For the period 
of January through April, 1983, building permits authorizing the 
Developmental 
work, 
temporary halt. 
Residential 
units, 
1978. 
94 STAT. 3244 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
Commercial 
buildings, 
1978. 
Highway 
construction. 
Parking garsige, 
construction. 
Litigation. 
construction of no more than one-third the amount of that square 
footage may be issued by each such city or county. 
The legislatures find the respective square footages of commercial 
buildings authorized within the region during calendar year 1978 to 
be as follows: 
1. City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County (combined) 
64,324 
2. Placer County 
23,000 
3. Carson City 
0 
4. Douglas County 
57,354 
5. Washoe County 
50,600 
(5) No structure may be erected to house gaming under a 
nonrestricted license. 
(6) No facility for the treatment of sewage may be constructed 
or enlarged except: 
(A) To comply, as ordered by the appropriate State agency 
for the control of water pollution, with existing limitations of 
effluent under the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq., 
and the applicable State law for control of water pollution; 
(B) To accommodate development which is not prohibited 
or limited by this subdivision; or 
(C) In the case of Douglas County Sewer District # 1 , to 
modify or otherwise alter sewage treatment facilities exist-
ing on the effective date of the amendments to this compact 
so that such facilities will be able to treat the total volume of 
effluent for which they were originally designed, which is 3.0 
million gallons per day. Such modification or alteration is 
not a "project"; is not subject to the requirements of article 
VII; and does not require a permit from the agency. Before 
commencing such modification or alteration, however, the 
district shall submit to the agency its report identifying any 
significant soil erosion problems which may be caused by 
such modifications or alterations and the measures which 
the district proposes to take to mitigate or avoid such 
problems. 
The moratorium imposed by this subdivision does not apply to work 
done pursuant to a right vested before the effective date of the 
amendments to this compact. Notwithstanding the expiration date of 
the moratorium imposed by this subdivision, no new highway may be 
built or existing highway widened to accommodate additional con-
tinuous lanes for automobiles until the regional transportation plan 
is revised and adopted. 
The moratorium imposed by this subdivision does not apply to the 
construction of any parking garage which has been approved by the 
agency prior to May 4, 1979, whether that approval was affirmative 
or by default. The provisions of this paragraph are not an expression 
of legislative intent that any such parking garage, the approval of 
which is the subject of litigation which was pending on the effective 
date of the amendments to this compact, should or should not be 
constructed. The provisions of this paragraph are intended solely to 
permit construction of such a parking garage if a judgment sustain-
ing the agency's approval to construct that parking garage has 
become final and no appeal is pending or may lawfully be taken to a 
higher court. 
(d) Subject to the final order of any court of competent jurisdiction 
entered in litigation contesting the validity of an approval by the 
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, whether that approval was affirm-
ative or by default, if that litigation was pending on May 4, 1979, the 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3245 
agency and the States of California and Nevada shall recognize as a 
permitted and conforming use: 
(1) Every structure housing gaming under a nonrestricted 
license which existed as a licensed gaming establishment on 
May 4, 1979, or whose construction was approved by the Tahoe 
Regional Planning Agency affirmatively or deemed approved 
before that date. The construction or use of any structure to 
house gaming under a nonrestricted license not so existing or 
approved, or the enlargement in cubic volume of any such 
existing or approved structure is prohibited. 
(2) Every other nonrestricted gaming establishment whose use 
was seasonal and whose license was issued before May 4,1979, for 
the same season and for the number and type of games and slot 
machines on which taxes or fees were paid in the calendar year 
1978. 
(3) Gaming conducted pursuant to a restricted gaming license 
issued before May 4,1979, to the extent permitted by that license 
on that date. 
The area within any structure housing gaming under a nonrestricted 
license which may be open to public use (as distinct from that devoted 
to the private use of guests and exclusive of any parking area) is 
limited to the area existing or approved for public use on May 4,1979. 
Within these limits, any external modification of the structure which 
requires a permit from a local government also requires approval 
from the agency. The agency shall not permit restaurants, conven-
tion facilities, showrooms or other public areas to be constructed 
elsewhere in the region outside the structure in order to replace areas 
existing or approved for public use on May 4,1979. 
(e) Any structure housing licensed gaming may be rebuilt or 
replaced to a size not to exceed the cubic volume, height and land 
coverage existing or approved on May 4, 1979, without the review or 
approval of the agency or any planning or regulatory authority of the 
State of Nevada whose review or approval would be required for a 
new structure. 
(f) The following provisions apply to any internal or external 
modification, remodeling, change in use, or repair of a structure 
housing gaming under a nonrestricted license which is not prohibited 
by article VI(d): 
(1) The agency's review of an external modification of the 
structure which requires a permit from a local government is 
limited to determining whether the external modification will do 
any of the following: 
(A) Enlarge the cubic volume of the structure; 
(B) Increase the total square footage of area open to one 
approved for public use on May 4,1979; 
(C) Convert an area devoted to the private use of guests to 
an area open to public use; 
(D) Increase the public area open to public use which is 
used for gaming beyond the limits contained in paragraph 
(3); and 
(E) Conflict with or be subject to the provisions of any of 
the agency's ordinances that are generally applicable 
throughout the region. 
The agency shall make this determination within 60 days after 
the proposal is delivered to the agency in compliance with the 
agency's rules or regulations governing such delivery unless the 
applicant has agreed to an extension of this time limit. If an 
external modification is determined to have any of the effects 
Structure 
housing 
gaming, 
modification. 
94 STAT. 3246 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
enumerated in subparagraphs (A) through (C), it is prohibited. If 
an external modification is determined to have any of the effects 
enumerated in subparagraph (D) or (E), it is subject to the 
applicable provisions of this compact. If an external modification 
is determined to have no such effect, it is not subject to the 
provisions of this compact. 
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), internal modification, 
remodeling, change in use or repair of a structure housing 
gaming under a nonrestricted license is not a project and does 
not require the review or approval of the agency. 
(3) Internal modification, remodeling, change in use or repair 
of areas open to public use within a structure housing gaming 
under a nonrestricted license which alone or in combination with 
any other such modification, remodeling, change in use or repair 
will increase the total portion of those areas which is actually 
used for gaming by more than the product of the total base area, 
as defined below, in square feet existing on or approved before 
August 4,1980, multiplied by 15 percent constitutes a project and 
is subject to all of the provisions of this compact relating to 
Base area. 
projects. For purposes of this paragraph and the determination 
required by article VI(g), base area means all of the area within 
a structure housing gaming under a nonrestricted license which 
may be open to public use, whether or not gaming is actually 
conducted or carried on in that area, except retail stores, conven-
tion centers and meeting rooms, administrative offices, kitchens, 
maintenance and storage areas, rest rooms, engineering and 
mechanical rooms, accounting rooms and counting rooms. 
Enforcement 
(g) In order to administer and enforce the provisions of paragraphs 
provisions. 
(^j)^ (g) ^nd (f), the State of Nevada, through its appropriate planning 
or regulatory agency, shall require the owner or licensee of a 
structure housing gaming under a nonrestricted license to provide: 
(1) Documents containing sufficient information for the 
Nevada agency to establish the following relative to the 
structure: 
(A) The location of its external walls; 
(B) Its total cubic volume; 
(C) Within its external walls, the area in square feet open 
or approved for public use and the area in square feet 
devoted to or approved for the private use of guests on May 4, 
1979; 
(D) The amount of surface area of land under the struc-
ture; and 
(E) The base area as defined in paragraph (f)(3) in square 
feet existing on or approved before August 4,1980. 
(2) An informational report whenever any internal modifica-
tion, remodeling, change in use, or repair will increase the total 
portion of the areas open to public use which is used for gaming. 
The Nevada agency shall transmit this information to the Tahoe 
Regional Planning Agency. 
(h) Gaming conducted pursuant to a restricted gaming license is 
exempt from review by the agency if it is incidental to the primary 
use of the premises. 
(i) The provisions of subdivisions (d) and (e) are intended only to 
limit gaming and related activities as conducted within a gaming 
establishment, or construction designed to permit the enlargement of 
such activities, and not to limit any other use of property zoned for 
commercial use or the accommodation of tourists, as approved by the 
agency. 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3247 
"Aggrieved 
person." 
0') Legal actions arising out of or alleging a violation of the Violations 
provisions of this compact, of the regional plan or of an ordinance or 
regulation of the agency or of a permit or a condition of a permit 
issued by the agency are governed by the following provisions: 
(1) This subdivision applies to: 
(A) Actions arising out of activities directly undertaken by 
the agency. 
(B) Actions arising out of the issuance to a person of a 
lease, permit, license or other entitlement for use by the 
agency. 
(C) Actions arising out of any other act or failure to act by 
any person or public agency. 
Such legal actions may be filed and the provisions of this 
subdivision apply equally in the appropriate courts of California 
and Nevada and of the United States. 
(2) Venue lies: 
(A) If a civil or criminal action challenges an activity by 
the agency or any person which is undertaken or to be 
undertaken upon a parcel of real property, in the State or 
Federal judicial district where the real property is situated. 
(B) If an action challenges an activity which does not 
involve a specific parcel of land (such as an action challeng-
ing an ordinance of the agency), in any State or Federal 
court having jurisdiction within the region. 
(3) Any aggrieved person may file an action in an appropriate 
court of the States of California or Nevada or of the United States 
alleging noncompliance with the provisions of this compact or 
with an ordinance or regulation of the agency. In the case of 
governmental agencies, "aggrieved person" means the Tahoe 
Regional Planning Agency or any State, Federal or local agency. 
In the case of any person other than a governmental agency who 
challenges an action of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, 
"aggrieved person" means any person who has appeared, either 
in person, through an authorized representative, or in writing, 
before the agency at an appropriate administrative hearing to 
register objection to the action which is being challenged, or who 
had good cause for not making such an appearance. 
(4) A legal action arising out of the adoption or amendment of 
the regional plan or of any ordinance or regulation of the agency, 
or out of the granting or denial of any permit, shall be com-
menced within 60 days after final action by the agency. All other 
legal actions shall be commenced within 65 days after discovery 
of the cause of action. 
(5) In any legal action filed pursuant to this subdivision which 
challenges an adjudicatory act or decision of the agency to 
approve or disapprove a project, the scope of judicial inquiry 
shall extend only to whether there was prejudicial abuse of 
discretion. Prejudicial abuse of discretion is established if the 
agency has not proceeded in a manner required by law or if the 
act or decision of the agency was not supported by substantial 
evidence in light of the whole record. In making such a determi-
nation the court shall not exercise its independent judgment on 
evidence but shall only determine whether the act or decision 
was supported by substantial evidence in light of the whole 
record. In any legal action filed pursuant to this subdivision 
which challenges a legislative act or decision of the agency (such 
as the adoption of the regional plan and the enactment of 
implementing ordinances), the scope of the judicial inquiry shall 
94 STAT. 3248 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
Compliance. 
Penalties. 
Contracts and 
agreements. 
Records. 
Project 
expiration. 
Real property 
list. 
extend only to the questions of whether the act or decision has 
been arbitrary, capricious or lacking substantial evidentiary 
support or whether the agency has failed to proceed in a manner 
required by law. 
(6) The provisions of this subdivision do not apply to any legal 
proceeding pending on the date when this subdivision becomes 
effective. Any such legal proceeding shall be conducted and 
concluded under the provisions of law which were applicable 
prior to the effective date of this subdivision. 
(7) The security required for the issuance of a temporary 
restraining order or preliminary injunction based upon an 
alleged violation of this compact or any ordinance, plan, rule or 
regulation adopted pursuant thereto is governed by the rule or 
statute applicable to the court in which the action is brought, 
unless the action is brought by a public agency or political 
subdivision to enforce its own rules, regulations and ordinances 
in which case no security shall be required. 
(k) The agency shall monitor activities in the region and may bring 
enforcement actions in the region to insure compliance with the 
regional plan and adopted ordinances, rules, regulations and policies. 
If it is found that the regional plan, or ordinances, rules, regulations 
and policies are not being enforced by a local jurisdiction, the agency 
may bring action in a court of competent jurisdiction to insure 
compliance. 
(1) Any person who violates any provision of this compact or of any 
ordinance or regulation of the agency or of any condition of approval 
imposed by the agency is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed 
$5,000. Any such person is subject to an additional civil penalty not to 
exceed $5,000 per day, for each day on which such a violation persists. 
In imposing the penalties authorized by this subdivision, the court 
shall consider the nature of the violation and shall impose a greater 
penalty if it was willful or resulted from gross negligence than if it 
resulted from inadvertence or simple negligence. 
(m) The agency is hereby empowered to initiate, negotiate and 
participate in contracts and agreements among the local governmen-
tal authorities of the region, or any other intergovernmental con-
tracts or agreements authorized by State or Federal law. 
(n) Each intergovernmental contract or agreement shall provide 
for its own funding and staffing, but this shall not preclude financial 
contributions from the local authorities concerned or from supple-
mentary sources. 
(o) Every record of the agency, whether public or not, shall be open 
for examination to the legislature and controller of the State of 
California and the legislative auditor of the State of Nevada. 
(p) Approval by the agency of any project expires 3 years after the 
date of final action by the agency or the effective date of the 
amendments to this compact, whichever is late, unless construction is 
begun within that time and diligently pursued thereafter, or the use 
or activity has commenced. In computing the 3-year period any 
period of time during which the project is the subject of a legal action 
which delays or renders impossible the diligent pursuit of that project 
shall not be counted. Any license, permit or certificate issued by the 
agency which has an expiration date shall be extended by that period 
of time during which the project is the subject of such legal action as 
provided in this subdivision. 
(q) The governing body shall maintain a current list of real 
property known to be available for exchange with the United States 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3249 
or with other owners of real property in order to facilitate exchanges 
of real property by owners of real property in the region. 
ARTICLE VII.—ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS 
(a) The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency when acting upon mat-
ters that have a significant effect on the environment shall: 
(1) Utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach which will 
insure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and 
the environmental design arts in planning and in decisionmak-
ing which may have an impact on man's environment; 
(2) Prepare and consider a detailed environmental impact 
statement before deciding to approve or carry out any project. 
The detailed environmental impact statement shall include the 
following: 
(A) The significant environmental impacts of the proposed 
project; 
(B) Any significant adverse environmental effects which 
cannot be avoided should the project be implemented; 
(C) Alternatives to the proposed project; 
(D) Mitigation measures which must be implemented to 
assure meeting standards of the region; 
(E) The relationship between local short-term uses of 
man's environment and the maintenance and enhancement 
of long-term productivity; 
(F) Any significant irreversible and irretrievable commit-
ments of resources which would be involved in the proposed 
project should it be implemented; and 
(G) The growth-inducing impact of the proposed project; 
(3) Study, develop and describe appropriate alternatives to 
recommended courses of action for any project which involves 
unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available 
resources; 
(4) Make available to States, counties, municipalities, institu-
tions and individuals, advice and information useful in restoring, 
maintaining and enhancing the quality of the region's environ-
ment; and 
(5) Initiate and utilize ecological information in the planning 
and development of resource-oriented projects. 
(b) Prior to completing an environmental impact statement, the 
agency shall consult with and obtain the comments of any Federal, 
State or local agency which has jurisdiction by law or special exper-
tise with respect to any environmental impact involved. Copies of 
such statement and the comments and views of the appropriate 
Federal, State and local agencies which are authorized to develop and 
enforce environmental standards shall be made available to the 
public and shall accompany the project through the review processes. 
The public shall be consulted during the environmental impact 
statement process and views shall be solicited during a public 
comment period not to be less than 60 days. 
(c) Any environmental impact statement required pursuant to this 
article need not repeat in its entirety any information or data which 
is relevant to such a statement and is a matter of public record or is 
generally available to the public, such as information contained in an 
environmental impact report prepared pursuant to the California 
Environmental Quality Act or a Federal environmental impact state-
ment prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969. However, such information or data shall be briefly described in 
Public 
comments. 
Information, 
repetition. 
42 u s e 4321 
note. 
94 STAT. 3250 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
Written 
findings. 
Fees. 
Exemptions. 
the environmental impact statement and its relationship to the 
environmental impact statement shall be indicated. 
In addition, any person may submit information relative to a 
proposed project which may be included, in whole or in part, in any 
environmental impact statement required by this article. 
(d) In addition to the written findings specified by agency ordinance 
to implement the regional plan, the agency shall make either of the 
following written findings before approving a project for which an 
environmental impact statement was prepared: 
(1) Changes or alterations have been required in or incorpo-
rated into such project which avoid or reduce the significant 
adverse environmental effects to a less than significant level; or 
(2) Specific considerations, such as economic, social or techni-
cal, make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alterna-
tives discussed in the environmental impact statement on the 
project. 
A separate written finding shall be made for each significant effect 
identified in the environmental impact statement on the project. All 
written findings must be supported by substantial evidence in the 
record. 
(e) The agency may charge and collect a reasonable fee from any 
person proposing a project subject to the provisions of this compact in 
order to recover the estimated costs incurred by the agency in 
preparing an environmental impact statement under this article. 
if) The agency shall adopt by ordinance a list of classes of projects 
which the agency has determined will not have a significant effect on 
the environment and therefore will be exempt from the requirement 
for the preparation of an environmental impact statement under this 
article. Prior to adopting the list, the agency shall make a written 
finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that each 
class of projects will not have a significant effect on the environment. 
Fees. 
Budget. 
ARTICLE VIII.—FINANCES 
(a) On or before September 30 of each calendar year the agency 
shall establish the amount of money necessary to support its activi-
ties for the next succeeding fiscal year commencing July 1 of the 
following year. The agency shall apportion $75,000 of this amount 
among the counties within the region on the same ratio to the total 
sum required as the full cash valuation of taxable property within the 
region in each county bears to the total full cash valuation of taxable 
property within the region. In addition, each county within the 
region in California shall pay $18,750 to the agency and each county 
within the region in Nevada, including Carson City, shall pay $12,500 
to the agency, from any funds available therefor. The State of 
California and the State of Nevada may pay to the agency by July 1 of 
each year any additional sums necessary to support the operations of 
the agency pursuant to this compact. If additional funds are required, 
the agency shall make a request for the funds to the States of 
California and Nevada. Requests for State funds must be appor-
tioned two-thirds from California and one-third from Nevada. Money 
appropriated shall be paid within 30 days. 
(b) The agency may fix and collect reasonable fees for any services 
rendered by it. 
(c) The agency shall submit an itemized budget to the States for 
review with any request for State funds, shall be strictly accountable 
to any county in the region and the States for all funds paid by them 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3251 
to the agency and shall be strictly accountable to all participating 
bodies for all receipts and disbursement. 
(d) The agency is authorized to receive gifts, donations, subven-
tions, grants, and other financial aids and funds; but the agency may 
not own land except as provided in subdivision (i) of article III. 
(e) The agency shall not obligate itself beyond the moneys due 
under this article for its support from the several counties and the 
States for the current fiscal year, plus any moneys on hand or 
irrevocably pledged to its support from other sources. No obligation 
contracted by the agency shall bind either of the party States or 
any political subdivision thereof. 
ARTICLE IX.—TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 
Gifts. 
Obligations. 
Board of 
directors. 
Powers. 
(a) The Tahoe transportation district is hereby established as a 
special purpose district. The boundaries of the district are cotermi-
nous with those of the region. 
(b) The business of the district shall be managed by a board of 
directors consisting of: 
(1) One member of the county board of supervisors of each of 
the counties of El Dorado and Placer; 
(2) One member of the city council of the city of South Lake 
Tahoe; 
(3) One member each of the board of county commissioners of 
Douglas County and of Washoe County; 
(4) One member of the board of supervisors of Carson City; 
(5) The director of the California Department of Transporta-
tion; and 
(6) The director of the department of transportation of the 
State of Nevada. 
Any director may designate an alternate. 
(c) The vote of at least five of the directors must agree to take Voting 
action. If at least five votes in favor of an action are not cast, an action 
of rejection shall be deemed to have been taken. 
(d) The Tahoe transportation district may in accordance with the 
adopted transportation plan: 
(1) Own and operate a public transportation system to the 
exclusion of all other publicly owned transportation systems in 
the region. 
(2) Acquire upon mutually agreeable terms any public trans-
portation system or facility owned by a county, city or special 
purpose district within the region. 
(3) Hire the employees of existing public transportation sys-
tems that are acquired by the district without loss of benefits to 
the employees, bargain collectively with employee organizations, 
and extend pension and other collateral benefits to employees. 
(4) Fix the rates and charges for transit services provided 
pursuant to this subdivision. 
(5) Issue revenue bonds and other evidence of indebtedness. 
(6) By resolution, determine and propose for adoption a tax for 
the purpose of obtaining services of the district. The tax proposed 
must be general and of uniform operation throughout the region, 
and may not be graduated in any way. The district is prohibited 
from imposing an ad valorem tax, a tax measured by gross or net 
receipts on business, a tax or charge that is assessed against 
people or vehicles as they enter or leave the region, and any tax, 
direct or indirect, on gaming tables and devices. 
Establishment. 
94 STAT. 3252 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
Amendment. 
Withdrawal. 
Interstate 
waters. 
Inter-agency 
cooperation. 
U.S. 
representative. 
Any such proposition must be submitted to the voters of the district 
and shall become effective upon approval of two-thirds of the voters 
voting on the proposition. The revenues from any such tax must be 
used for the service for which it was imposed, and for no other 
purpose. 
(7) Provide service from inside the region to convenient airport, 
railroad and interstate bus terminals without regard to the 
boundaries of the region. 
(e) The legislatures of the States of California and Nevada may, 
by substantively identical enactments, amend this article. 
ARTICLE X.—MISCELLANEOUS 
(a) It is intended that the provisions of this compact shall be 
reasonably and liberally construed to effectuate the purposes thereof. 
Except as provided in subdivision (c), the provisions of this compact 
shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of 
this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any 
participating State or of the United States or the applicability thereof 
to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, 
the validity of the remainder of this compact and the appliciability 
thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not 
be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the 
constitution of any State participating therein, the compact shall 
remain in full force and effect as to the remaining State and in full 
force and effect as to the State affected as to all severable matters. 
(b) The agency shall have such additional powers and duties as may 
hereafter be delegated or imposed upon it from time to time by the 
action of the legislature of either State concurred in by the legisla-
ture of the other. 
(c) A State party to this compact may withdraw therefrom by 
enacting a statute repealing the compact. Notice of withdrawal shall 
be communicated officially and in writing to the Governor of the 
other State and to the agency administrators. This provision is not 
severable, and if it is held to be unconstitutional or invalid, no other 
provision of this compact shall be binding upon the State of Nevada 
or the State of California. 
(d) No provision of this compact shall have any effect upon the 
allocation, distribution or storage or interstate waters or upon any 
appropriative water right. 
SEC. 2. The Secretary of Agriculture and the heads of other 
appropriate agencies are authorized, upon the request of the Tahoe 
Regional Planning Agency, to cooperate with the Tahoe Regional 
Planning Agency in all respects compatible with carrying out the 
normal duties of their agencies. 
SEC. 3. The consent to the compact by the United States is subject to 
the condition that the President may appoint a nonvoting repre-
sentative of the United States to the governing body of the Tahoe 
Regional Planning Agency. 
SEC. 4. Any additional powers conferred on the agency pursuant to 
article X, section 1(b) of the compact shall not be exercised unless 
consented to by the Congress. 
SEC. 5. Nothing contained in this Act or in the compact consented to 
shall in any way affect the powers, rights, or obligations of the United 
States, or the applicability of any law or regulation of the United 
States in, over or to the region or waters which are the subject of the 
compact, or in any way affect rights owned or held by or for Indians 
or Indian tribes subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. 
PUBLIC LAW 96-551—DEC. 19, 1980 
94 STAT. 3253 
SEC. 6. The right is hereby reserved by the Congress or any of its Disclosure. 
standing committees to require the disclosure and furnishing of such 
information and data by or concerning the Tahoe Regional Planning 
Agency as is deemed appropriate by the Congress or such committee. 
SEC. 7. The right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act is hereby 
expressly reserved. 
Approved December 19, 1980. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 126 (1980): 
Dec. 1, considered and passed House. 
Dec. 3, considered and passed Senate. 
79-194 
O—81—pt. 3 
39 : QL3