Wyoming’s two main oil and gas trade groups are seeking to expedite the resumption of oil and gas leases on federal property by the Department of the Interior (DOI).

Wyoming drilling rig

In a merits brief filed Aug. 30 in Wyoming District Court, the Western Energy Alliance and the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) allege that DOI is intentionally dragging its feet on complying with a June order by a federal judge in Louisiana.

The Louisiana court directed DOI to resume federal leasing, which had been paused via executive action by President Biden. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by 13 states challenging the halt on leasing.

The merits brief is part of a similar, still-pending lawsuit filed by the Wyoming groups. The state of Wyoming is expected to file a similar brief soon,...