Judge orders US to resume oil lease sales in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A judge has ordered the U.S. government to resume regular oil and gas lease sales on federal lands in North Dakota. The order came Monday, even as a legal battle continues over the Biden administration’s decision to suspend leasing two years ago in an effort to combat climate change. North Dakota’s attorney general says the canceled lease sales have cost the state over $100 million in revenue each year. A U.S. Department of Justice attorney argued that ordering lease sales before the lawsuit is decided is a “rush to judgment” that could cause increased litigation risk from environmental conservation groups.