Trump Administration Revokes Environmental Protections in Nevada and New Mexico
The Trump administration has initiated a controversial shift in land management by allowing oil and gas drilling, geothermal development, and hard-rock mining on thousands of acres in Nevada and New Mexico. This decision rolls back environmental protections that were established during President Joe Biden’s final weeks in office.
Key Policy Changes Announced
On Friday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled an emergency order that includes the lifting of protections on federal lands across both states. Specifically, over half of the national forests—approximately 113 million acres—will now permit logging to enhance timber production. Critics argue this move prioritizes the interests of private industries over environmental conservation.
Furthermore, the decision includes an addendum that terminates protections for federal land in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada (264,000 acres previously secured against oil, gas, and geothermal development) and the Upper Pecos watershed in north-central New Mexico. The justification provided for this change was to “boost production of critical minerals.”
Community and Legislative Response
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defended the move, stating it aims to reduce what they referred to as “burdensome Biden-era regulations” that hinder energy and mineral development, seeking to revitalize rural communities and promote the U.S. as a leading energy producer.
However, local lawmakers have expressed outrage. “The Trump administration’s decision is a betrayal of trust,” stated Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. “This kind of top-down decision-making, with zero attempt to discuss or even listen to the communities impacted, is exactly what’s wrong with this administration.”
Ralph Vigil, an organizer with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, highlighted concerns that mining could jeopardize the area’s outdoor recreation economy, asserting, “No one in this community wants any extractive industries or any threats to our watershed.”
Moreover, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., criticized the decision on social media, emphasizing that the Ruby Mountains hold critical importance for local tourism despite being deemed to have low energy potential.
Historical Context and Environmental Concerns
During his administration, President Biden had implemented protections intended to last two decades at the request of Native American tribes and local residents. The rollback of these measures has been met with fervent opposition from various environmental groups and community advocates.
Under the Trump administration, there has been a notable trend away from climate-related policies, emphasizing the expansion of fossil fuel production and deregulating environmental protections. While proponents argue that such policies bolster energy independence, critics stress the environmental risks posed by loosening restrictions.
In the Ruby Mountains, despite previous findings in 2019 indicating the lack of viable oil and gas resources, fears remain that companies may pursue leasing opportunities in the area. Russell Kuhlman, executive director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation, underscored the region’s ecological significance, saying it serves as “the heartbeat of Nevada’s outdoor recreation” and homes the largest mule deer population in the state.
Concerns in the Upper Pecos Watershed
The Upper Pecos watershed, previously protected from hard-rock mining due to the historical contamination issues stemming from the 1990s, has also attracted opposition regarding its new status. An Australian company’s attempt to secure exploratory drilling permits for various minerals in 2019 had ignited local efforts to maintain safeguards against mining.
Conclusion
The recent policy changes by the Trump administration have sparked a significant debate about land use, environmental protection, and community input in the management of public resources. As local leaders and advocates prepare for a potential legal battle against these rollbacks, the future of these cherished landscapes hangs in the balance.