Federal Judge Orders Halt to Wyoming Oil Drilling Permits

Federal judges have intervened in environmental disputes related to oil and gas leasing in Wyoming's public lands and Alaska's Cook Inlet. In Wyoming, Judge Christopher Cooper directed the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to conduct a more comprehensive environmental impact analysis before approving new drilling permits on 120,000 acres, citing violations of the National Environmental Policy Act. Similarly, Judge Sharon Gleason suspended leases in Cook Inlet, Alaska, due to inadequate analysis of impacts on beluga whales and marine life. The decisions highlight the clash between conservation groups and energy development interests, with judges emphasizing the need for thorough environmental assessments before proceeding with drilling activities.