Biden Administration Proposes 20-Year Ban on Oil and Gas Leasing in Nevada's Ruby Mountains Before Trump's Inauguration

The Biden administration is pushing forward with new restrictions on oil and gas exploration in the western U.S., just weeks before Donald Trump's inauguration as President. 

On Monday, the Department of the Interior revealed plans to impose a 20-year moratorium on oil and gas leasing across 264,000 acres in Nevada's Ruby Mountains. This move involves submitting an application to exclude the land from leasing, which triggers an immediate two-year prohibition on new mineral leases while the proposal is under review. The public will have 90 days to comment on this proposal, a period that will coincide with the start of the Trump administration.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented on the initiative: "The Ruby Mountains are a unique area known for its recreational activities and critical habitats for fish and wildlife, which we aim to preserve for future generations. This decision reflects the input from Tribal communities and conservation and sportsmen's groups, recognizing the importance of protecting this landscape."

During Trump's previous term, the Forest Service evaluated the possibility of opening 54,000 acres in the Ruby Mountains for oil and gas drilling. However, this plan was abandoned in 2019 after receiving significant opposition, evidenced by thousands of comments from local, state, and national stakeholders, as noted by William Dunkelberger, the forest supervisor at the time.

Jenna Padilla, the geologist for the Humboldt-Toiyabe Ruby Mountains ranger district, previously indicated in a 2018 LA Times article that geological assessments suggested a very low potential for oil in that area.

It remains to be seen what stance the incoming Trump administration will take on potential leasing in this region, especially given the new restrictions proposed by the Biden administration.