Governor Discusses Federal Leasing Ban

Last week we reported on the lawsuit filed by the State of Wyoming challenging the de-facto moratorium on oil and gas leasing on federal land issued by President Biden and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter recently sat down with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon to discuss regulation of the energy industry.

When the lawsuit was filed, Governor Gordon said following a careful review of not only the President’s Executive Order, but it’s practical effect, it is necessary for Wyoming to protect its citizens and challenge the Secretary’s action. Gordon said not only is the federal action overreaching, it was implemented without public input as required under federal law.

Gordon said the world will continue to need and use oil and gas for the foreseeable future, and the question is whether it will be produced under the environmental safeguards in place on federal lands in Wyoming, or overseas without equally stringent regulations.