High Country News

Results for keyword: oil and gas leases

Western legislatures grab for control of public lands

Some Western states are rekindling the Sagebrush Rebellion and demanding ownership of federal lands -- but it's not just about local control.

by Jodi Peterson, May 16, 2012
Obama's record on Western environmental issues

Not everybody is happy, but the Obama administration is making slow but steady progress in dealing with the West's environmental issues.

by Judith Lewis Mernit, Feb 06, 2011
Leasing lag?

The BLM is offering less land for oil and gas leasing in Wyoming.

by Adam Petry, Jul 27, 2010
Vermillion surprise

BLM's no-drilling decision in Colorado startles locals.

by Jennie Lay, Jul 26, 2010
A cheer for Interior Secretary Salazar's new approach

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is not to blame for the oil and gas industry’s economic problems

by Thomas Power, Jan 28, 2010
The federal energy two-step

Oil and gas companies are furious with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, but environmentalists wonder if he’ll go far enough in restraining the industry.

by Ray Ring, Dec 18, 2009
The leasing protest game

Conservationists can file formal protests when the BLM wants to auction off public land to energy companies, but the differences between regional management plans and styles make the protest game little more than a crapshoot.

by April Reese, Apr 14, 2008
When can the BLM say 'no'?

BLM and Forest Service officials say they have little power to prevent drilling in an area once it’s been OK’d for leasing, but critics say the government simply refuses to use its power

by Jodi Peterson, Sep 04, 2006
Energy companies score massive refund checks

A federal judge has ordered the government to buy back offshore oil and gas leases that energy companies say can’t be developed, leading some to wonder if the BLM will have to do the same with leases in potential wilderness areas

by Matt Jenkins, Dec 26, 2005
The Latest Bounce

California Coastal Commission rejects 36 oil and gas leases; EPA proposes two-stage regulation for radiation exposure at Yucca Mountain; developer’s attorneys have to pay legal fees in lawsuit against environmentalist; wannabe border patrol volunteer lose

by Matt Jenkins, Sep 05, 2005