The state of New Mexico is among those directly affected by a Louisiana federal judge’s ruling that blocked government regulators from using a key estimate of carbon emissions harms.
Axios reports the ruling delayed drilling permits, lease sales and environmental rules and as a result, at least 18 well permits in New Mexico cannot move forward. The news service says it’s the claim made by the Biden administration in a response to the federal judge’s ruling.
Administration lawyers want the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana to stay the sweeping preliminary injunction that prevents using the White House’s social cost of carbon (SCC) in decision-making.
The ruling sided with conservative oil and gas producing states in their lawsuit to prevent the administration social cost of carbon estimate of $51 per metric ton. Oklahoma was not one of the nearly 10 states that filed suit.
The federal government attorneys argue there could be “dramatic consequences” if the injunction remains in place during the administration’s appeal. They claim it will prevent cost-benefit and environmental analyses.
“[It] has disrupted the functioning of multiple Cabinet agencies,” the filing states, claiming it has “frozen, delayed, or derailed numerous activities,” reported Axios.
The ruling also is affecting the manufactured housing industry along with rules at the Environmental Protection Agency, Interior and Transportation departments.
