The Biden-Harris administration is taking a notable step to safeguard northeast Nevada’s Ruby Mountains by proposing a temporary freeze on new oil, gas, and geothermal projects across roughly 264,000 acres. This move aligns with a broader pattern of environmental protections in Nevada, which in recent years has seen both grassroots and legislative efforts to shield critical public lands from unchecked development. The U.S. Forest Service’s petition and application, recently submitted to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, aim to pause exploratory drilling for two years, giving researchers and policymakers time to study why key wildlife species—such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and sage grouse—have been declining.
Under the current proposal, mining and commercial operations already in place would keep running, but no new permits for oil, gas, or geothermal activities would be issued. Once the move is published in the Federal Register, there will be a 90-day public comment period. Federal agencies will also hold consultations with local Tribal communities to perform an environmental analysis, which could lead to extending the moratorium for as long as 20 years.
This kind of protective action isn’t new to Nevada. Over the past decade, there have been multiple campaigns aimed at preserving ecologically sensitive areas within the state. For instance, public outcry in 2019 led the U.S. Forest Service to recommend restricting potential energy development in the Ruby Mountains—often referred to as Nevada’s Swiss Alps for their rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems. Additionally, federal and state officials previously worked together on measures to reduce leasing in certain parts of the state, especially where habitats for threatened species overlap with proposed drilling zones.
According to Russell Kuhlman, executive director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation, instituting a pause on new projects is a textbook example of thoughtful, science-driven wildlife management. In his view, limiting new variables—such as exploratory drilling—allows experts to get a clearer understanding of what’s causing declines in some of Nevada’s most iconic animal populations. Kuhlman emphasized that while some might assume a major energy “motherlode” is going untapped, that often isn’t the case for the Ruby Mountains. Instead, the land is better suited for multiple-use approaches that balance recreation, habitat conservation, and traditional industries.
Nevada has a track record of collaboration when it comes to public lands. From the local level up to Congress, stakeholders have united behind measures designed to preserve the state’s natural heritage while still allowing for sustainable economic activities. Whether it’s adopting new land-use plans or placing temporary holds on drilling permits, these efforts reflect a larger Nevada tradition: guarding its unique landscapes for generations to come. With the Ruby Mountains once again in the spotlight, many see this freeze as a logical continuation of the state’s ongoing effort to find common ground between development and conservation.
