Judge rejects Biden attempt to pause oil, gas leases on federal lands

The Biden administration came under pressure Wednesday to resume leasing sales for oil and gas drilling on federal lands and waters after a federal judge handed Republican attorneys general a victory by blocking President Biden’s moratorium.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, Louisiana Republican, prodded the Interior Department to resume lease sales after a judge Tuesday granted a temporary injunction halting Mr. Biden’s Jan. 27 executive order to “pause” fossil-fuel leasing while the administration conducts a “comprehensive review.”

“This is fantastic news for workers in Louisiana whose livelihoods are being threatened by the administration’s thoughtless energy policy,” Mr. Cassidy said...