Ruby Mountains Protection Act

The "Ruby Mountains Protection Act" proposes to permanently withdraw specific federal lands in Elko and White Pine Counties, Nevada, from all forms of operation under the mineral leasing laws. This measure aims to protect these ecologically sensitive areas from future mineral extraction. Specifically, the bill withdraws approximately 309,272 acres of National Forest System land within the Ruby Mountains subdistrict of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Additionally, it withdraws about 39,926 acres of National Wildlife Refuge System land in the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. These withdrawals are subject to valid existing rights and will also apply to any land or interests acquired by the United States within these boundaries after the bill's enactment. An exception is made for noncommercial refuge management activities within the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which are not affected by the withdrawal.