There are echoes of the old DOE operation all through the grand valley still today. They're trying to make use of the old facility, business incubator, etc.
I think that move would help operationally but hurt politically. Like most have said, too far from the flagpole can lead to (more) shenanigans and closed door dealings with those outside of, but still affecting, the BLM. But, basing their operational hub here could only help from a logistical standpoint. Not to sidetrack, but I felt since day one about the NV Bundy standoff that whomever was in charge must never have actually spoken to anyone from rural southern NV or they could have easily predicted the response. An operational hub closer to the land the BLM manages should, statistically, increase the face-to-face interaction with the humans and critters who use it. I always felt that authors of environmental assessments, resource management plans, and grazing or energy leases should be required to list how many nights they've camped on the subject property. If their number is zero, their input is negated.
Choose your poison, I suppose. Personally (ever an optimist) I hope they do it while keeping a robust senior presence, who are required to rotate out into the hinterlands, in DC.
