Agency: Nevada mountain range unfit for oil, gas drilling

Associated Press

The Forest Service’s rejection of a proposal to drill for oil or gas in northeast Nevada’s Ruby Mountains has become official after no one complained during the 45-day objection period.

Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger says the agency’s decision became final on Tuesday.

He says they didn’t receive a single objection after the service determined the drilling wasn’t suitable for the area and selected the “no leasing” alternative in mid-March. He says that reaffirms his belief he made the right decision for future management of more than 82 square miles (212 sq. kilometers) of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest along the mountain range in Elko County.

Dunkelberger concluded any economic benefits from the drilling would be limited compared to money the natural resources contribute to the area economy through tourism, recreation and livestock grazing.