Today, the Biden-Harris administration took steps to protect Nevada’s Ruby Mountains by considering a 20-year withdrawal from future oil, gas, and geothermal development. This decision responds to requests from Tribes, conservationists, sportsmen, and the local community. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service submitted a petition and application to Secretary Haaland for this withdrawal.
The Ruby Mountains in Elko County are known as “Nevada’s Swiss Alps” and hold significant cultural and recreational value. They are the ancestral homelands of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians and offer opportunities for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and other activities. The area also includes the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which supports migratory waterfowl and various fish species.
“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,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. She emphasized that pausing new oil and gas leasing will ensure informed protections for future generations.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack added that “the Ruby Mountains are an iconic landscape with exceptional recreation opportunities and valuable fish and wildlife habitat worth preserving for the future.” He stated that this action honors Tribal voices along with those of conservationists and sportsmen.
A Federal Register notice initiates a 90-day public comment period on this proposed withdrawal. An environmental analysis will be prepared by the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service to determine if these lands should be withdrawn for up to 20 years. The process will involve consultation with Tribes, public participation, environmental groups, industry representatives, state officials, local governments, and other stakeholders.
While oil, gas, or geothermal development would be paused during this time frame under valid existing rights only Congress can legislate permanent withdrawal; however other uses like hiking or camping remain unaffected. The study period alongside two-year segregation aims at supporting science-based decisions concerning Ruby Mountain's preservation efforts.
