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Southern Nevada delegation asks feds for 20-year mining ban near Ash Meadows wildlife refuge

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Southern Nevada delegation asks feds for 20-year mining ban near Ash Meadows wildlife refuge


Southern Nevada’s federal delegation are calling on the federal government to prohibit mining on public land in the fragile Amargosa River watershed, an effort pushed by locals in the area for months.

On Tuesday, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto sent a letter to federal land managers, urging the Department of the Interior to implement a 20-year ban on new mining operations on public land surrounding the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a critical wetland habitat that supports a dozen endangered and threatened species.

Sen. Jacky Rosen and Reps. Dina Titus, Steven Horsford, and Susie Lee also signed the letter.

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The 20-year ban is supported by the Timbisha Shoshone Tribal Council, the Nye County Board of Commissioners, the Nye County Water District, and both the town boards of Amargosa Valley and Beatty, according to Nevada Current.

Under federal law, the Department of the Interior has the authority to withdraw lands from mineral extraction for up to 20 years by approving an application for mineral withdrawal submitted by the managing agency. Mineral withdrawals can also be permanently secured through legislation passed by Congress and signed by the president. 

A federal mineral withdrawal would not dissolve previous mining claims, but it would greatly reduce mining companies’ interest in developing the area, say supporters of the 20-year ban.

In the letter, the lawmakers representing Southern Nevada ask Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to formally initiate a 20-year mineral withdrawal on about 276,000 acres of public lands researchers say is most vulnerable to groundwater depletion from mining activities. 

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“Drilling for exploration or mining could puncture the highly pressurized underlying aquifer, resulting in artesian flow that could reduce spring flows and water levels at Devils Hole, and would have widespread catastrophic effects on this fragile landscape. Pit mining activities would require dewatering that would draw down groundwater levels, reducing spring flow in the Refuge and affecting the water supply for local communities,” the lawmakers wrote.

The Amargosa River travels just under the surface for most of its 185-mile course. In the stretches of the river that reach the surface — like the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge — the river supports endemic species that depend entirely on springs fed by groundwater aquifers. 

However, some of those aquifers are extremely close to the surface, meaning even shallow drilling in the Amargosa Basin groundwater system can have severe, unpredictable, and far-reaching impacts.

The request comes after Canada-based Rover Critical Minerals’ (formerly Rover Metals) announced a new plan last year to drill as many as 21 boreholes less than a mile from the refuge — at depths of up to 150 feet — in search of valuable lithium deposits. The proposal included plans to drill within a few thousand feet of Fairbanks Spring, a critical habitat for the endangered Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish and the Ash Meadows speckled dace.

“Recent proposals for exploratory mineral drilling and extraction near the Refuge boundary pose an immediate threat to the integrity of this fragile ecosystem,” reads the letter.

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Nevada Democrats congratulate, caution Trump as he starts 2nd term

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Nevada Democrats congratulate, caution Trump as he starts 2nd term


LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Southern Nevada’s congressional delegation — all Democrats — congratulated and cautioned President Donald Trump as he began his second term Monday.

Trump won the election in November by 1.5% — or about 2 million votes. The president also became the first Republican candidate since 2004 to win Nevada’s six electoral votes, besting Vice President Kamala Harris by about 46,000 votes.

Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen voted to impeach Trump in both his impeachment trials.

“Today, we completed one of the most foundational principles of our democracy, which is the peaceful transfer of power,” Cortez Masto said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the incoming administration to lower prices, create jobs, and keep our communities safe. But make no mistake, if President Trump uses his position to hurt hardworking Nevadans, I will always stand strong to protect them.”

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“Today, we witnessed yet another peaceful transfer of power,” Rosen posted on X. “I’m always willing to work across the aisle, including with the Trump-Vance Administration, to lower costs and deliver for Nevada families. But I’ll also push back on any extreme actions that would hurt our nation.”

“I will work with President Trump on any policy that achieves these goals for Nevadans and the American people,” Rep. Steven Horsford said in a statement. “And I will honor America’s long tradition of principled opposition when his policies fall short. I wish President Trump the best in office, and look forward to representing the people of Nevada’s 4th Congressional District in negotiations with him.”

“Today we witnessed the peaceful transfer of power which is essential to our democracy,” Rep. Dina Titus posted on X.

Several prominent Las Vegas-area business figures attended the inauguration, including Phil Ruffin and Dana White.

Rep. Susie Lee had not shared or posted a statement as of Monday afternoon. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo also did not share a message.

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Nevada DMV testing new “turbo title” system

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Nevada DMV testing new “turbo title” system


CARSON CITY, Nev. (KOLO) – The Nevada DMV is unveiling a new online service in certain portion of the state.

Their new “turbo titles” launched at the Elko and Sahara Las Vegas DMV offices last Monday.

The Nevada DMV says the new system is designed to speed up the process of applying for new and duplicate titles faster for eligible residents of Nevada. Customers will be able to upload documents remotely through a DriveNV portal and fast pass their initial trip to the Nevada DMV office.

“The Nevada DMV processes about 285,000 standard titles a year,” stated Public Information Officer Paolo David. “Turbo Titles will speed up the titling process for our customers, which will provide greater convenience to our community.”

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Those who are eligible to participate in this service are:

  • Customers who have purchased or leased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer or private party
  • Customers who have received a vehicle from a private party or family member as a gift
  • New residents to Nevada with an existing vehicle
  • Customers in need of a duplicate Nevada title

“Our Turbo Titles release is very similar to our last release, Rapid Registration, which means it is the very first phase of this service,” said Public Information Officer Hailey Foster. “Customers will still need to make an appointment to pay and verify the title documentation they submitted.”

One payment is complete, customers will get the title via mail to the address provided.

If a lienholder is on the title, the lienholder will receive the paper or electronic title based on information supplied to the DMV.



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'All the lads want to go': Wigan rookies push for Vegas selection

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'All the lads want to go': Wigan rookies push for Vegas selection


Wigan’s rookie brigade put their hands up for Vegas selection after the Warriors did what Allegiant Stadium rivals Warrington could not and registered a win in their opening pre-season clash.

“I’d love to go to Vegas – with the squad we’ve got over here at Wigan it’s a big fight for places,” said back rower George Hirst after Sunday’s 28-16 defeat of Oldham.

Wunderkind half Jack Farrimond pulled the strings and non-stop lock Harvie Hill seemed to take every second hit-up as coaches rewarded the players who’ve been back in training since last year while Australian-based stars and England internationals took a break. 

Hirst returned to the club he helped win promotion to the Championship last year and impressed in Arctic conditions at Boundary Park. Another former Roughyed, Tyler Dupree, scored Wigan’s first try.

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“It’s down to me really,” Hirst said. “Train well, play well. I’d love to go but it’s not my choice. 

“All the lads want to go. We’ll find out closer to the time. There’ll be a few lads disappointed.”

One man who might sneak onto the plane is 18-year-old Taylor Kerr, who played alongside Farrimond in the halves but can also handle hooker and back row.

“It’s just a sign of a quality player,” said assistant coach Thomas Leuluai, a renowned utility in his 40 Test career for the Kiwis and 448 NRL and Super League appearances.

“They’re all in that squad for a reason. We’ve got good depth. The guys today, they haven’t done themselves any harm, have they?

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“Who’s going to Vegas? I don’t know when he (head coach Matty Peet) is picking that, but the guys today have made a good account of themselves and should be happy.”

Super League rivals, Huddersfield and Salford, joined Warrington – beaten 36-22 by Widnes – in being toppled by Championship teams over the weekend.

“It’s good to be the only ones who won,” said Hirst. 

 

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