Court halts federal oil permits over incorrect groundwater data

A federal judge blocked new oil and gas drilling permits in a Wyoming county after finding that groundwater estimates were exaggerated by a factor of 10,000, potentially harming the environment.

Angus M. Thuermer Jr. reports for WyoFile.

In short:

The Bureau of Land Management overstated groundwater availability, a critical resource for oil drilling, in its environmental review.
Conservation groups sued, alleging the faulty data ignored impacts on wildlife and local water resources.
Developers projected the field would create 8,000 jobs and billions in revenue, but the court paused permits until issues are resolved.

Key quote:

“Defendants concede [the groundwater estimates] are off … by a factor of 10,000.”

— U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan

Why this matters:

Inaccurate groundwater data could deplete vital resources, harming local communities and ecosystems. Pausing the project allows for proper environmental oversight and protection of species like sage grouse while addressing community concerns.

wyofile.com

Court halts federal oil permits over incorrect groundwater data

Stratospheric aerosol injection might make flights smoother

How industry is fragmenting Canada’s vast boreal forest

For 20 years, Canada’s leaders have promised a carbon capture fix

The climate crisis onscreen: 14 films that made waves

Lake Powell shrinks and marinas must adapt

Zeldin vows to fulfill coal industry’s ‘wish list’

The U.S. is pulling back on energy efficiency

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.