Lawsuit challenging cancellation of leases near Utah NPs dismissed
SALT LAKE CITY — A federal judge ruled Wednesday that a lawsuit brought by energy producers challenging the cancellation of 77 oil and gas drilling leases was filed too late.
U.S. District Judge Dee Benson ruled Wednesday the companies failed to file their lawsuit within 90 days of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's February 2009 decision to cancel much of the lease sale held in the final month of President George W. Bush's administration.
Benson wrote that Salazar exceeded his authority by withdrawing the leases, but ultimately ruled in his favor because the companies missed their deadline.