Christian Gerlach, (702) 271-6485, christian.gerlach@sierraclub.org
Patrick Donnelly, (702) 483-0449, pdonnelly@biologicaldiversity.org
LAS VEGAS — Conservation groups today announced a meeting in Las Vegas to educate the public about proposed oil leasing and fracking in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains, and to receive input from Nevadans about their vision for the iconic mountain range. The Rubies are widely known for their abundant wildlife, including Nevada’s largest mule deer herd, critical priority greater sage-grouse habitat, and streams teeming with trout.
“The Ruby Mountains are Nevada’s crown jewel and it’s outrageous that the Forest Service is considering leasing them for fracking,” said Patrick Donnelly, Nevada state director with the Center for Biological Diversity.
The proposal to lease the Rubies to oil companies has garnered significant resistance, as the Forest Service received over 13,000 comments in opposition. Elected officials such as Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and the Nevada State Legislature Public Lands Committee have spoken out against leasing the Ruby Mountains. Despite this, the Forest Service has failed to hold a public meeting to solicit feedback.
“The public has been absolutely clear: we want to protect the Rubies,” said Christian Gerlach, Community Organizing Representative with the Sierra Club’s Our Wild America campaign. “Since the Forest Service has refused to hold public meetings, we’re holding our own to empower the public to speak out against turning our most precious places into oil fields.”
WHAT: Public meeting to receive input about oil and gas leasing in the Ruby Mountains
WHERE: Clark County Public Library, 1401 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV
WHEN: January 16th, 6:00pm-8:00pm
WHO: Speakers will include former Assemblyman Justin Watkins, County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, and representatives of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.