Thursday, March 10, 2011 | 12:09 p.m.
The Senate today passed a bill stripping the Nevada mining industry of its power to condemn private property for its business use.
Only Sen. Dean Rhoads, R-Tuscarora, whose district relies heavily on the mining industry, voted against the bill.
Sen. Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, sponsored the legislation, saying no private corporation should have the power of eminent domain to benefit its private interests.
The mining industry briefly fought the bill, but quickly backed off when it became apparent the legislation enjoyed strong support from Republicans deeply concerned about private property rights, as well as some Democrats who have been more hostile to the industry.
The bill now moves to the Assembly, where Assemblyman William Horne, D-Las Vegas, has a similar bill. Republicans and Democrats in the lower house have indicated support for the measure.
Gov. Brian Sandoval has repeatedly declined to comment on mining’s eminent domain powers.
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