S.1349 - Ruby Mountains Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Ruby Mountains Protection Act (S.1349) aims to withdraw specific National Forest System land in the Ruby Mountains subdistrict of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and National Wildlife Refuge System land in Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, from operation under mineral leasing laws. This withdrawal encompasses approximately 309,272 acres of National Forest System Lands and 39,926.10 acres of Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The bill ensures that any land acquired by the United States within these boundaries after the enactment of the Act will also be subject to the withdrawal.
The Act includes provisions for public access to maps detailing the withdrawn areas, ensuring transparency and clarity regarding the boundaries. The withdrawal does not apply to noncommercial refuge management activities by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, allowing for continued conservation efforts.
Introduced in the Senate by Ms. Cortez Masto and Ms. Rosen, the bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for further consideration.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this Act, if passed, would be to protect the specified areas in Nevada from mineral extraction activities. This would likely lead to the preservation of the natural environment and wildlife habitats within the Ruby Mountains and Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
It could also impact local economies dependent on mineral leasing revenues, potentially shifting economic focus towards tourism and recreation. The Act would provide long-term protection for these lands, ensuring their conservation for future generations.
Potential Benefits
- Environmental Preservation: Protects the natural environment and wildlife habitats in the Ruby Mountains and Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
- Conservation: Ensures the long-term conservation of these lands for future generations.
- Tourism and Recreation: Could boost local economies by promoting tourism and recreation activities.
- Water Quality: Protecting the watershed will ensure water quality for the region.
- Biodiversity: Preserves biodiversity by preventing habitat destruction from mineral extraction.
Potential Disadvantages
- Economic Impact: May negatively impact local economies dependent on mineral leasing revenues.
- Resource Restrictions: Limits access to potential mineral resources within the withdrawn areas.
- Job Losses: Potential job losses in the mining and mineral extraction industries.
- Reduced Revenue: Reduced revenue for the state and federal governments from mineral leasing.
- Limited Development: Restricts future development opportunities related to mineral resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The Ruby Mountains Protection Act aligns with the US Constitution, particularly concerning the federal government's authority over public lands as outlined in Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, also known as the Property Clause. This clause grants Congress the power to regulate and dispose of federal territory and property.
By withdrawing land from mineral leasing, the Act exercises this constitutional authority to manage federal lands for conservation purposes. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution, such as those in the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).