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."

Friends is also grateful for Nevada's senior U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, who has introduced legislation in Congress that would permanently ban oil and gas leasing in the Ruby Mountains. 

There is a 45-day objection period before the decision becomes final.

Read the announcement from the USFS here and a related article in the Reno Gazette Journal.