ELR Citation: 53 ELR 20187
No(s). 3:23-cv-00058-SLG and 3:23-cv-00061-SLG (D. Alaska Dec 1, 2023) (Gleason, J.)

A district court denied Indigenous and environmental groups' motion for injunction pending appeal of their challenge to BLM's approval of an oil and gas development project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. The groups initially sought to preliminarily enjoin construction through the remainder of the winter season, arguing BLM violated NEPA, the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, and the ESA. The court denied the motion, finding the groups could not show a likelihood of irreparable harm. It subsequently denied their request for vacatur of the project approval. The groups appealed and sought to enjoin all construction activities related to the project while their appeals are pending. The court found the groups did not show there was a serious question going to the merits of their claims, and concluded the balance of equities and public interest tipped sharply against injunctive relief. It denied the groups' motion.