Federal Judge Blocks Biden’s Pause on New Oil, Gas Leases

FILE – In this April 1, 2019 file photo, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry talks about health care legislation he’s backing in the upcoming session, in Baton Rouge, La. The Biden administration’s suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water was blocked Tuesday by a federal judge in Louisiana. U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty’s ruling came in a lawsuit filed in March by Louisiana’s Republican attorney general, Jeff Landry and officials in 12 other states. (AP Photo/Melinda Deslatte, File)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge in Louisiana has ordered an end to the Biden administration’s suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water.

The judge ruled Tuesday in a lawsuit by Louisiana’s attorney general and officials in 12 other states. Those states say the administration bypassed bureaucratic steps required before such delays can be undertaken. The decision is a blow to Democratic President Joe Biden’s efforts to rapidly transition the nation away from fossil fuels and thereby stave off the worst effects of climate change, including catastrophic droughts, floods, and wildfires.

Louisiana’s Republican attorney general hailed the decision as a victory for energy workers.

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