March 22, 2019 - Members of the Natural Resources Committees in both the Nevada Assembly and Senate have said a resounding NO to the U.S. military's proposed expansion into the heart of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, closing even more of the refuge off to the public.  In unanimous bi-partisan votes, the committees approved two joint resolutions, AJR2 and SJR3, expressing their reasons for opposing the expansion to the already sprawling 2.9 million acre military training facility. The resolutions will now be scheduled for votes before the full Assembly and full Senate....Read more »

March 14, 2019 - After receiving thousands of comments from Nevadans opposed to a plan to allow oil and gas leasing in the Ruby Mountains, the U.S. Forest Service announced today that it is denying the application.  A private entity had requested access to 53,000 acres of land in the NE Nevada mountain range, often referred to as the "Alps of Nevada" for purposes of exploring for oil and gas reserves.  But Forest Service officials concluded there was little potential of discovering oil or gas and that the overwhelming public opposition and threats to the recreational, wildlife habitat, and scenic values outweighed the need to drill.  "The public won a major victory today," said Shaaron Netherton, Executive Director of Friends. "We applaud the U.S. Forest Service for making the right decision. Thanks to everyone who raised their voices to defeat this disastrous proposal. This victory belongs to them."...Read more »

From Public News Service CARSON CITY, Nev. – Almost two-thirds of Nevadans oppose the Trump administration's emphasis on energy production over conservation on public land, according to a new poll.  Researchers for the ninth annual "Conservation in the West" poll from Colorado College surveyed 400 registered voters in eight western states, including Nevada. They found that 64 percent of Nevadans want Congress to focus on protecting air, water and land – compared with 25 percent who said more drilling and mining should be a higher priority.  ...Read more »