drilling
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Federal judge halts Arizona lithium drilling amid tribal concerns
A federal judge temporarily stopped exploratory lithium drilling in Arizona after the Hualapai Tribe argued it would harm sacred lands.
In short:
- The Hualapai Tribe and environmental groups sued to stop drilling near sacred springs in northwestern Arizona.
- The tribe argues the Bureau of Land Management's approval violated laws protecting historic and cultural sites.
- A hearing on a longer-term injunction is scheduled for September 17 in Phoenix.
Key quote:
“Like other tribal nations who for centuries have stewarded the lands across this country, the Hualapai people are under siege by mining interests trying to make a buck off destroying their cultural heritage.”
— Laura Berglan, Earthjustice lawyer
Why this matters:
The case highlights the conflict between green energy initiatives and the preservation of Indigenous cultural sites, raising questions about the balance between environmental progress and respecting sacred lands.
Related:
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Biden faces challenges in curbing US oil production
Despite Joe Biden's campaign promises to end drilling on federal lands, the U.S. is now producing more oil than any country ever has, revealing the difficulty of halting oil production.
In short:
- The Biden administration has approved more drilling permits on federal lands than the Trump administration.
- High gas prices and legal challenges have pressured Biden to support increased oil production.
- Biden’s climate goals face political and market constraints, making it difficult to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Key quote:
“The fact is that President Biden has followed the rule of law in this country, and the rule of law says that if you have already given a lease to a fossil fuel company, you have to give a permit.”
— Leah Stokes, associate professor of environmental politics at the University of California, Santa Barbara
Why this matters:
U.S. oil production's continued growth underscores the challenge of balancing economic needs with climate goals, impacting global energy markets and environmental policies. Any future administration will face similar obstacles in reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Related EHN coverage:
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Oil drilling project near Aurora homes faces critical decision
The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission is deliberating a plan for significant oil drilling near Aurora, challenging new state regulations aimed at balancing development and safety.
In short:
- The plan involves drilling on the Lowry Ranch property, a former Air Force site, proposing 156 wells over six years, with Civitas Resources seeking to streamline the permit process.
- Environmental groups and residents oppose the project, citing risks such as proximity to the Aurora Reservoir and a Superfund site, which Civitas has agreed not to drill under.
- The 2019 health and safety law reform gave local governments more power over drilling, and the plan’s approval will test the new regulations.
Key quote:
“What we’ve seen is people from all walks of life and various levels of oil and gas knowledge looking at the CAP application and realizing something isn’t right about it.”
— Mike Foote, environmental attorney
Why this matters:
The decision will test Colorado’s 2019 law meant to protect public health while allowing energy development. The outcome could influence future energy projects and the state’s approach to balancing environmental and economic interests.
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Credit: Brigitte Werner/Pixabay
Argentina faces pivotal decision with proposed oil extraction bill
A proposed bill could drive Argentina's economic future by tapping into its vast oilfields, despite concerns about environmental impacts and hindering energy transition efforts.
In short:
- The bill aims to attract billions in oil and gas investments, shifting Argentina toward fossil fuel reliance.
- President Javier Milei's administration supports the bill to boost the Vaca Muerta oilfield, one of the world's largest shale reserves.
- Environmentalists warn of severe pollution, water contamination, and negative impacts on local communities.
Key quote:
“We are facing the pinnacle of extractivism, the final adjustment of the screw so that Argentina is no longer a sovereign country over its territory.”
— Enrique Viale, lawyer and president of the Argentine Association of Environmental Lawyers
Why this matters:
Argentina's move to expand fossil fuel extraction could significantly impact global efforts to combat climate change. The potential environmental degradation poses serious risks to local ecosystems and communities.
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The US defends its oil and gas expansion despite climate finance promises
The Biden administration promises to lead global climate finance efforts, yet faces criticism for expanding oil and gas production amid its climate goals.
In short:
- The US promises to lead in climate finance but does not specify the amount to be provided to poorer countries.
- John Podesta, Biden’s top climate official, supports the expansion of US oil and gas production due to the high demand for non-Russian energy sources.
- Podesta highlights the stark contrast between Biden and Trump on climate commitments and the need for other major economies to contribute more.
Key quote:
"The US is now the number one producer of oil and gas in the world, the number one exporter of natural gas, and that’s a good thing."
— John Podesta, senior adviser to Joe Biden on international climate policy
Why this matters:
The U.S. continues to expand its fossil fuel infrastructure. New oil and gas projects, including pipelines and drilling operations, are moving forward, driven by economic interests and energy security concerns. This expansion poses a significant challenge to meeting climate targets, as fossil fuels remain the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
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California: Signal Hill employs firm with oil industry ties for drilling permit review
Residents of Signal Hill are opposing a proposal to extend a neighborhood oil drilling permit for 20 years, citing health risks and environmental concerns.
In short:
- Community members expressed concerns about health impacts, such as asthma and cancer, linked to local oil drilling operations.
- Signal Hill Petroleum seeks to extend its drilling operations, relying on an environmental review by a firm connected to the oil industry.
- California's Senate Bill 1137, if upheld, would restrict new wells and impose tighter regulations on existing ones near residential areas.
Key quote:
"The International Panel on Climate Change has stated that we must urgently ramp down fossil fuel production in order to avoid the most extreme effects of climate change. A proposed 20-year permit extension does the opposite."
— Catherine Ronan, Sierra Club’s Los Angeles chapter
Why this matters:
Extending oil drilling operations in residential areas poses significant health risks to the community, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The decision also challenges California's efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence and mitigate climate change.
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Ohio enforces stricter measures on oil and gas drilling rights on private properties
Ohio sees a surge in forced land use for oil and gas extraction despite property owners' resistance.
In short:
- Ohio has increased the number of unitization orders, allowing oil and gas companies to drill on private lands without full owner consent.
- The state law mandates 65% owner agreement before companies can proceed, yet recent changes have eased this process significantly.
- Critics argue these legal adjustments favor the petroleum industry overwhelmingly, sidelining landowner rights and environmental concerns.
Key quote:
"All the cards are stacked against us."
— Patrick Hunkler, affected landowner
Why this matters:
The increasing frequency of these orders raises concerns about the balance of industry benefits against individual property rights and environmental impacts. This controversial approach has raised significant environmental and health concerns among residents. Many fear that the intrusion of drilling operations could lead to water contamination, air pollution, and other risks associated with fracking and traditional drilling methods. These apprehensions are compounded by reports from other regions that experienced similar expansions in drilling activity, where increases in health issues like respiratory problems and waterborne diseases were observed.
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