ELR Citation: 53 ELR 20173
No(s). 22-cv-2696 (TSC) (D.D.C. Nov 6, 2023) (Chutkan, J.)

A district court denied environmental groups' motion to preliminarily enjoin an oil drilling project in Wyoming's Powder River Basin. The groups argued DOI's initial approval of the project violated NEPA by failing to take a "hard look" at relevant environmental issues, violated FLPMA by failing to protect greater sage-grouse and prevent undue degradation to raptors and their habitats, and violated the Mineral Leasing Act and FLPMA by failing to mitigate certain air pollutants. The court found the groups did not demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of any of their claims, and failed to demonstrate that they would suffer imminent and irreparable harm absent an injunction. It denied the groups' motion, and granted intervenors' motion to dismiss.