ELR Citation: 51 ELR 20008
No(s). 20-3654 (RC) (D.D.C. Jan 12, 2021) (Contreras, J.)

A district court denied a motion to preliminarily enjoin BLM from authorizing construction of a helium drilling project on public lands near the Labyrinth Canyon Wilderness in southeastern Utah. Environmental groups argued BLM violated NEPA by failing to analyze the cumulative impacts of water use required for the project, and sought to halt its construction. The court found BLM's determination that a cumulative analysis was not necessary was reasonable in light of the relatively small amount of proposed water use, and that the groups had failed to demonstrate a substantial likelihood of success on the merits. It therefore denied the motion for preliminary injunction.