Proposal would withdraw Nevada’s Ruby Mountains from energy development for 20 years

The Department of the Interior is considering a 20-year withdrawal of the Ruby Mountains from future geothermal and oil and gas development, according to a news release.

The area in Elko County, referred to as Nevada’s Swiss Alps, is the ancestral homeland of the Te-Moak Tribe of the Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada. It provides recreational opportunities for hunters, anglers and birdwatchers, officials said.

The Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge includes a wetlands oasis for migratory waterfowl and fisheries that include trout and largemouth bass.

The U.S. Forest Service submitted a withdrawal petition with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.

The approval of the petition and publication in the Federal Register temporarily prevents future geothermal and oil and gas development across approximately 264,000 acres in the Ruby Mountains area for two years.

“The Ruby Mountains are cherished by local communities for the scenic value, cultural heritage, numerous wildlife and benefit to the local economy through a thriving outdoor recreation industry,” Haaland said.

The Federal Register notice initiates a 90-day public comment period on the proposed withdrawal, the news release said.

The Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service will prepare an environmental analysis to decide whether the lands should be withdrawn for a period of up to 20 years.

The process will include consultations with the tribe, environmental groups, industry and state and local government.

By law, the secretary of the interior can withdraw the land for a maximum of 20 years. Only Congress can legislate a permanent withdrawal.

“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 for future generations,” Haaland said.