Governor Mark Gordon outlined concerns over the Interior Acting Secretary Scott de la Vega’s Secretarial Order 3395, a 60-day pause on new oil and gas authorizations.
Secretarial Order 3395 is causing delays in routine approvals for oil and gas companies holding valid drilling permits. Governor Gordon stated the order comes “with severe implications that devastate the State of Wyoming’s revenue in the near-term with the potential to spell a long-term blow for our State’s economic wellbeing.”
Gordon also expressed displeasure with Interior’s decision to postpone the quarterly oil and gas lease sale scheduled for next month and other decisions based on climate concerns. “It is foolish and counterproductive to pit concern for the environment against quality, good-paying jobs when we know we must have both,” wrote Gordon.
A copy of the letter can be found here.