Biden is trying his best to do the Democrats dirty work before leaving office.
The Biden administration is making a final push to impose restrictions on oil and gas drilling in the western U.S., just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. This latest move centers on the Ruby Mountains in Nevada, where the Department of the Interior recently proposed a 20-year ban on oil and gas leasing across 264,000 acres of land.
The Biden administration’s request to withdraw this vast acreage from any future leasing options sets in motion a two-year process that halts new mineral leases during the review period. Afterward, a 90-day public comment period will be opened, which will fall under the Trump administration’s oversight, potentially giving the new president the chance to reevaluate or even block this decision.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack defended the ban, calling the Ruby Mountains an “iconic landscape” that provides significant recreational opportunities and essential wildlife habitats. According to Vilsack, the action reflects the administration’s commitment to preserving these areas for future generations, citing support from tribal communities and conservation groups.
However, it is important to note that while this proposal targets oil and gas development, it does not impose restrictions on mining activities in the region. This has raised questions about the selective nature of the Biden administration’s approach.
Under the Trump administration, the U.S. Forest Service had conducted a study to assess the possibility of leasing 54,000 acres in the Ruby Mountains for oil and gas drilling. However, after receiving an overwhelming number of comments—thousands from local residents, the state of Nevada, and concerned citizens nationwide—this proposal was ultimately rejected in 2019.
Geological surveys conducted during this time suggested that the region had limited potential for oil, with some experts concluding that there was little to no viable resource to extract. Given this, many Republicans view the Biden administration’s move as an unnecessary step to lock up public lands, especially when the potential economic benefits of responsible drilling are ignored.
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, it remains unclear whether they will challenge or undo the Biden administration’s proposal. However, with the public comment period opening soon, there could still be opportunities for local communities and stakeholders to have their voices heard before any final decisions are made.