A federal appeals court in Denver was to hear arguments Thursday on the
Obama administration's decision to cancel Bush-era oil and gas leases
near national parks in Utah, the auction for which prompted an
environmental activist to drive up prices with his bidding in an act of
civil disobedience.
The case before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals involves leases near
Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Dinosaur National Monument
that were auctioned off in the final month of the President George W.
Bush's administration. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar later canceled the
leases and energy companies challenged his decision in court.
Thursday's hearing came after a federal judge ruled in September 2010
that a lawsuit brought by energy producers challenging the cancellation
of the 77 oil and gas drilling leases was filed too late. U.S. District
Judge Dee Benson ruled the companies failed to file their lawsuit within
90 days of Salazar's February 2009 decision.
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