Drought-stricken Las Vegas proposes grass ban for new homes

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Grassy yards would be banned at all new housing and commercial developments in the Las Vegas metro area as officials try to expand water use limitations and the region prepares for a hotter and drier future. The Southern Nevada Water Authority passed resolutions on Monday to prohibit the yards and the use of evaporative cooling machines also known as swamp coolers at the new developments. Swamp coolers are used by many people instead of traditional air conditioners, but use more water. The moves build on current water use limitations in the Las Vegas region, which is undergoing strong growth. The new prohibitions must be approved by local governments.