US agency takes steps to protect Nevada mountains from energy development by Reuters

(Reuters) – The Biden administration on Monday took steps to protect the Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada from oil, gas and geothermal development for 20 years.

The Interior Department said it has approved a request from the U.S. Forest Service to divest 264,442 acres of federal land in the Ruby Mountains from mineral and geothermal leasing.

Approval of the application removes the lands from development for up to two years and begins a 90-day period for the public to comment on the proposed 20-year withdrawal.

This proposal comes three weeks before President-elect Donald Trump, who pledged to increase domestic oil and gas production, succeeded President Joe Biden, a Democrat who sought to preserve large amounts of public lands.

The Interior Department said the lands would remain open to mining claims.

“The Ruby Mountains are cherished by local communities for their scenic value, cultural heritage, abundant 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 we have the scientific knowledge and public input needed to inform the proposed protection of the Ruby Mountain region for future generations.”