We all know that Biden signed an executive order to pause new leases for oil and gas drilling on federal land and water.
A preliminary injunction that stops implementation of the Biden Administration’s pause on drilling permits on federal lands was granted by a Federal Judge in Lafayette Louisiana.
Last week, U.S. Districk Judge Terry Doughty listen to arguments from 13 states who are suing over the moratorium as well as the Department of Justice and enviromental groups who support it.
June 15th, 2021, Judge Doughty issued his stay. He ordered that the pause can’t be implemented until the lawsuit is resolved, or until an appeals court lifts it.
Earlier June 10th on Thursday morning, during the hearing, Louisiana’s lawyers argued that the executive order created a gulf graveyard but the attorneys for the Department of Justice denied the claim, stating that lease sales continued in the gulf and on land
According to the DOJ there were only 7 sales that were paused after the executive order in the first quarter, each for a different decision. The DOJ say the pause is to conduct environmental impact review, not to stop the new leases.
Jeff Landry, Louisiana AG, argues the executive order is causing economic loss for Louisiana but the DOJ disagrees.
