Biden’s lame-duck administration launches a sneak attack on American energy independence, freezing oil and gas leases in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains for 20 years.
At a Glance
- Biden administration plans 20-year ban on oil, gas, and geothermal development in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains
- 264,000 acres of federal lands to be withdrawn from leasing
- Two-year pause on development during 90-day public comment period
- Decision comes just weeks before Trump’s inauguration
- Mining operations still permitted, raising questions about true environmental protection
Biden’s Last-Minute Energy Assault
In a brazen move that reeks of desperation, the Biden administration is making a last-ditch effort to appease its eco-warrior base by freezing oil and gas leases in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains. This 20-year ban, conveniently timed just weeks before Donald Trump’s triumphant return to the White House, is nothing short of a calculated assault on American energy independence and economic prosperity.
The Department of the Interior, apparently hellbent on crippling domestic energy production, has filed an application to withdraw a whopping 264,000 acres of federal lands from leasing. This move initiates a 90-day public comment period, during which development will be paused for two years. It’s a classic example of government overreach, strangling progress under the guise of environmental protection.
President Joe Biden’s administration said Monday it is taking steps to bar oil, gas and geothermal development for 20 years in northeastern Nevada’s Ruby Mountains. https://t.co/Toer7vaXK5
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) December 31, 2024
The Hypocrisy of Selective Conservation
While the Biden administration pats itself on the back for this “conservation effort,” let’s not forget the glaring hypocrisy at play. Mining operations will still be permitted in the area, exposing the true nature of this decision: political theater at its finest. If the goal is truly to protect the environment, why allow any form of resource extraction?
“The Ruby Mountains have no known oil reserves, and this withdrawal does nothing to ward off the truly urgent threat of gold mining.” – Patrick Donnelly
Even environmental activists like Patrick Donnelly from the Center for Biological Diversity can see through this charade. The Ruby Mountains have no known oil reserves, making this “protection” about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Meanwhile, the real threat of gold mining looms large, conveniently ignored by the Biden administration.
A Thinly Veiled Political Maneuver
Let’s call this what it is: a desperate attempt to score political points before Biden hands over the reins to a true champion of American energy independence. The timing of this decision, mere weeks before Trump’s inauguration, is no coincidence. It’s a calculated move to create bureaucratic hurdles for the incoming administration, potentially complicating efforts to unleash America’s energy potential.
This latest assault on domestic energy production is part of a broader pattern of the Biden administration’s misguided policies. From canceling the Keystone XL pipeline to restricting drilling in Alaska, Biden has consistently prioritized virtue signaling over the economic well-being of hardworking Americans. The result? Skyrocketing energy prices and increased dependence on foreign oil.
As we look ahead to Trump’s return to office, it’s clear that reversing these disastrous policies will be a top priority. The American people deserve an energy policy that puts their interests first, not one that kowtows to radical environmentalists and foreign interests. It’s time to drill, baby, drill – and make America energy independent once again.
