On Monday, the Biden administration took action to safeguard the northeast Nevada Ruby Mountains from the past 20 years of geothermal, oil and gas development.
The US Forest Service applied to withdraw 264,442 acres of public lands in the Ruby Mountains from mineral and geothermal leasing and the Interior Department confirmed it had granted the request. When the application is approved, the lands are off limits to development for a maximum of two years and a 90 day public comment period on the planned 20 year withdrawal begins.
“The Ruby Mountains are cherished by local communities for their scenic value, cultural heritage, numerous wildlife and benefit to the local economy through a thriving outdoor recreation industry,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement.
“Today, we are taking an important and sensible step to pause new oil and gas leasing to ensure that we have the science and public input necessary to inform proposed protections of the Ruby Mountains area for future generations,” the statement added.
The Ruby Mountains which are renowned for their great biodiversity and cultural significance will continue to be accessible for mining operations despite this action.
The Ruby Mountains have cultural and environmental value and are frequently referred to as Nevada’s “Swiss Alps” due to their breathtaking views and varied species. Biden’s action comes after hunters, anglers, conservation organizations and Native American tribes strongly advocated for increased protection for the region.
The idea comes three weeks before President-elect Donald Trump who has promised to increase domestic oil and gas production and takes over from President Joe Biden, a Democrat who has worked to save significant portions of public property.
Nevada’s “Swiss Alps”
Mule deer, mountain goats and bighorn sheep can be found on the wide, rocky peaks of the Ruby Mountains and fish like the endangered Lahontan cutthroat trout can be found in their cascading streams. In addition to being the ancestral home of the Te-Moak Tribe of the Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada, they are a popular fishing, hunting and birdwatching destination in the country.
It is impossible to replace landscapes like the Rubies. In order to conserve this distinctive, untamed mountain range for future generations, it is imperative that the Ruby Mountains and the neighboring Ruby Marshes needs to be protected from oil and gas leasing.
