Biden sets last-ditch obstacle to ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ in Nevada mountains
By
Callie Patteson
December 31, 2024 11:18 am
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With three weeks remaining until President-elect Donald Trump takes office, the Biden administration has made another last-ditch effort to curb the incoming president’s oil and gas agenda by taking steps to protect a Nevada mountain range.
On Monday, the administration announced plans to withdraw roughly 264,000 acres of federal lands in the Ruby Mountains, often referred to as Nevada’s Swiss Alps, from energy development leasing.
This would prevent any oil, gas, and geothermal development on these federal lands biodiversity-rich lands for approximately 20 years. However, mining would still be permitted. The withdrawal would not affect recreational activities.
The ban is not yet in effect, as the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service only just submitted its withdrawal request and application to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
On Monday, the Interior Department approved the application, initiating its consideration of the 20-year withdrawal. Simultaneously, this process has started a two-year ban on oil, gas, and geothermal development in the region while withdrawal is considered, as well as a 90-day public comment period.
more
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy-and-environment/3272935/biden-last-minute-obstacle-drill-baby-drill-nevada-mountains/
