Content area
Full text
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration is appealing a federal judge's ruling against its oil leasing moratorium and deepening government scrutiny of the activity it blames for fanning climate change, even as it promises to resume auctions.
The moves, announced by the Interior Department in an emailed statement Aug. 16, mark the beginning of an open-ended analysis of the federal oil, gas and coal leasing programs that could span years, and lead to higher fees as well as new limits on development in sensitive areas.
The agency said it would continue onshore and offshore oil and gas leasing as required by Louisiana-based U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty in June, while it challenges the decision before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals: "Interior will continue to exercise the authority and discretion provided under the law to conduct leasing in a manner that takes into account the program's many deficiencies."
The announcement comes ahead of a court deadline for the administration to explain how it was complying with the judge's June 15 order that leasing should resume. The Interior Department has not yet issued public plans for new or rescheduled lease sales, amid mounting pressure from Congress and the oil industry.
Administration officials were concerned that without taking action, top Interior officials could be held...