The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office recently issued a press release stating that a Louisiana federal judge has sided with a group of states — including Oklahoma — who have challenged President Joe Biden’s attempt to disrupt America’s energy industry through an executive order.
Judge Terry Doughty issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Biden Administration’s effort to halt the sale of new oil and gas leases on federal land and offshore wells.
In his ruling, Judge Doughty said the states challenging the moratorium demonstrated that it is likely unlawful and poses a substantial threat of irreparable injury by jeopardizing millions of economic dollars.
“This ruling is a victory for the rule of law, for Oklahoma, and for the energy industry,” said Mithun Mansinghani, Oklahoma’s Solicitor General. “This year, the Oklahoma legislature directed our office to monitor and challenge unlawful federal actions, including executive orders like this one. This executive order is not only unlawful but also threatens state revenue, may further raise energy and gas prices and harms the hard-working men and women whose livelihoods depend on these quality jobs.”
The judge also agreed with Oklahoma and 12 other states’ position that the president’s executive action on this matter needs congressional approval. The group filed the lawsuit earlier in March of this year.
According to the lawsuit, the current rules and regulations surrounding leasing activities on public lands and offshore waters that Biden’s Administration unlawfully halted were approved in 2016 by former President Obama.
The decision can be viewed here.