Federal Judge Sends Alaska Lease Dispute Back to MMS for Further Review

JUNEAU, Alaska - A federal judge has ordered the Minerals Management Service to conduct a supplementary review of planned offshore leases off the north coast of Alaska to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Native Village of Point Hope, et al. v. Salazar, et al., No. 1:08-cv-0004-RRB (D. Alaska).

Judge Ralph R. Beistline of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska ordered the review of certain provisions of NEPA on July 21 but rejected efforts by a dozen environmental groups and native Alaska tribal governments to vacate the permits entirely.

Plaintiffs contended that the MMS failed …