Staff Reports
In response to the Biden administration’s decision to limit offshore oil and natural gas leases, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has filed a lawsuit. The API argues that the restrictions are shortsighted and will hinder access to valuable energy resources in federal waters. Ryan Meyers, the API’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, stated that the administration is putting American consumers at risk of relying on foreign sources for energy needs.
The lawsuit challenges the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, claiming that it is arbitrary and not in accordance with the law. The plan only includes three potential leases, which the API describes as the “fewest lease sales in a five-year program in history.” Additionally, the plan was released almost 500 days late, further adding to the API’s grievances.
Oil Group Takes Legal Action Against Biden Administration Over Unprecedented Drilling Restrictions https://t.co/MfC77GGVXB
— ?? Raven ?⬛? (@DrkRaven62) February 13, 2024
The API’s legal challenge will be reviewed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. They argue that the Inflation Reduction Act requires at least 60 million acres to be leased for offshore drilling, and the current plan falls short of that requirement. API President Mike Sommers denounced the plan, claiming that it is part of a strategy to reduce energy production and weaken America’s energy dominance.
The Biden administration has defended the plan, stating that increased renewable energy production and reduced consumption will decrease reliance on oil and gas resources. However, the API argues that demand for affordable and reliable energy is only growing, and restricting access to federal waters will ultimately harm American consumers in the long run. They believe that their legal challenge is necessary to secure future generations’ access to America’s energy advantage.
