Reno council nixes plan over Burning Man control

RENO (AP) — The Reno City Council has declined to support a proposal that could bolster Pershing County’s control of the Burning Man festival in Nevada.The council on Wednesday opposed proposed state legislation designed to bolster local control over events on federal land. The plan is being pushed by the associations that represent Nevada cities and counties.The Reno Gazette-Journal reports the council expressed concerns the proposal could hurt the city’s economy. Burners pump an estimated $15 million into the local economy annually.Burning Man organizers have sued Pershing County over a special events ordinance they maintain is unconstitutional and could lead to the eclectic arts festival leaving Nevada.Pershing argues it has a right to regulate the eight-day event that draws some 50,000 people to the Black Rock Desert.