Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
AMARGOSA VALLEY, NEVADA— On Tuesday, January 14th, the Biden-Harris administration announced the administrative withdrawal of public lands from new mineral entry for a temporary period of 20 years in the Amargosa basin surrounding Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Withdrawal of these lands from new mineral entry will preserve irreplaceable cultural and biological values cherished by conservationists, Tribes, local communities, and tourists from around the world. This region was threatened by proposed lithium exploration projects, which could have irreversibly altered the sensitive groundwater-dependent ecosystem that the Amargosa Basin relies on.
One of the most unique and biodiverse wetlands in the world, Ash Meadows has the highest concentration of endemic species – those found in only one location – anywhere in the United States, with some species dating back to the Pleistocene Era.
The Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter has been supporting this campaign since its inception. This campaign was led by a coalition of local environmental organizations, Tribal leaders, and local governments.
“We are thankful for the Biden-Harris administration and their recognition of how special Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding area is,” said Olivia Tanager, Director of Sierra Club’s Toiyabe Chapter. “Anyone who has ever visited Ash Meadows and Amargosa Valley has left with an appreciation of the natural beauty and uniqueness found there. We, alongside the tiny Amargosa pupfish, Ash Meadows zebra tailed lizard, and migratory birds who depend on the wetlands in Amargosa Valley, are collectively breathing a sigh of relief today.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.