Environmentalists Sue Interior Over Oil, Gas Leasing on Federal Lands

"Environmental groups launched a broad assault today on federal oil and gas leasing, accusing the Obama administration of ignoring the climate impacts from leasing on hundreds of thousands of acres since early 2015.

WildEarth Guardians and Physicians for Social Responsibility filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging 397 leases in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. The leases collectively represent almost 380,000 acres.

According to the groups, the Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management issued the leases without analyzing the impacts on climate and taxpayers. They say the practice tarnishes President Obama's legacy on climate issues."

Ellen M. Gilmer reports for Greenwire August 25, 2016.