Gulf Oil Leasing Annulment Puts Climate Crisis Upfront

Bracewell Policy Resolution Group Senior Principal Frank Maisano told Law360 that the decision by DC District Judge Rudolph Contreras to vacate the Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 257 may test the Biden administration’s commitment and loyalties.

Maisano said that the administration must balance competing interests, including the need to lower energy prices for consumers on one side and progressive climate change reduction interests on the other. He said that he hopes the administration will focus on near-term energy needs rather than stopping all oil and gas leasing as has been promised

“That’s a thought tightrope they’re on,” said Maisano. “The fact that they’re asking OPEC to increase their output while we have plenty of supplies right here is kind of a slap in the face to those...producers here who have made us energy independent, frankly.”

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