Biden to Resume Selling Drilling Rights as Appeal Unfolds
- Oil industry, some lawmakers have opposed drilling freeze
- Interior Department embarks on broad review of leasing program
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The Biden administration is appealing a federal judge’s ruling against its oil leasing moratorium and deepening government scrutiny of the activity it blames for fanning climate change, even as it promises to resume auctions.
The moves, announced by the Interior Department in an emailed statement Monday, mark the beginning of an open-ended analysis of the federal oil, gas and coal leasing programs that could span years -- and lead to higher fees as well as new limits on development in sensitive areas.