In a move that highlights the ongoing battle between oil companies and conservationists, the former sought to dismiss a recent order that invalidated oil and gas leases sold by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Trump administration. The BLM had rushed to sell leases in various environmentally sensitive areas without giving adequate consideration to the impact on wildlife, climate change, and Indigenous communities. However, in accordance with President Biden's environmental agenda, the BLM had set aside the previous orders and suspended further drilling leases pending a comprehensive review.
1. Oil companies sought to dismiss an order that invalidated oil and gas leases sold by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Trump administration.
2. The BLM rushed to sell leases in environmentally sensitive areas without considering the impact on wildlife, climate change, and Indigenous communities.
3. President Biden's environmental agenda led to the suspension of further drilling leases and a comprehensive review of the process.
4. Oil companies argued against the Biden administration's pause on new oil and gas leases, claiming it would cause significant financial losses and harm to their business operations.
5. The ongoing battle between oil companies and conservationists is highlighted by this move.
The Trump administration sold over 5 million acres of land for oil and gas leases, which is approximately the size of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks combined.
administration. They argued that the Biden administration's pause on new oil and gas leases should not apply to leases previously sold. The companies claimed that the order would cause significant financial losses and harm to their business operations.