La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act

This legislation, known as the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act , authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey approximately 3,400 acres of federal land to La Paz County, Arizona. This transfer aims to facilitate solar energy development and job creation within the county, overriding certain planning requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. The conveyance is contingent upon the County paying the fair market value of the land, determined by a professional appraisal, and covering all associated costs, including surveys and administrative fees. The Secretary is also mandated to exclude any federal land containing significant cultural, environmental, wildlife, or recreational resources from the transfer. A critical provision mandates the County and any subsequent owners to make good faith efforts to protect Tribal cultural artifacts , requiring coordination with the Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Historic Preservation Office. Furthermore, the conveyed federal land will be permanently withdrawn from the operation of mining and mineral leasing laws, with all sale proceeds deposited into the Federal Land Disposal Account.