Elko, Nev. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today met with local conservation groups, small businesses, tribal and community leaders committed to protecting Nevada’s Ruby Mountains from gas and oil drilling and highlighted the legislation that she introduced in the Senate, the Ruby Mountains Protection Act.
“I’m proud to stand with Nevadans who recognize that the Ruby Mountains are one of our irreplaceable national treasures. Nevadans rely on our public lands not only for the beautiful landscapes, but for the economic boost that visitors contribute to the local communities. I’m committed to fighting to pass the Ruby Mountains Protection Act and ensure that this range is safe from exploration for fossil fuels and protect it for future generations of Nevadans.”
BACKGROUND:
The Ruby Mountains Protection Act would withdraw approximately 450,000 acres of National Forest System district land comprising the Ruby Mountain Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest from any eligibility for oil and gas leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act. The measure protects all existing multiple uses in the area including recreation, grazing and mining.
This legislation also covers any future land or interest in land acquired by the United States for inclusion in the Ruby Mountains Ranger District from future oil and gas leasing. The Ruby Mountains Protection Act would not affect any recreational use of these pristine lands.
The Ruby Mountains Protection Act would make permanent the decision by the U.S. Forest Service that the Ruby Mountains are unsuitable for oil and gas leasing.
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