WASHINGTON D.C. – Today a U.S. District Judge in the District Court of Wyoming upheld a preliminary injunction against the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) rule governing hydraulic fracturing on federal and tribal lands, finalized in March of this year.  The judge found that the rule exceeded the BLM’s statutory authority.

Western Caucus Chairman Cynthia Lummis (WY-at large) issued the following statement in response.

“This ruling is a victory for states’ rights and demonstrates that despite the claims of the Obama Administration, the rule will inflict harm on the states who are already regulating hydraulic fracturing within their borders.” – Rep. Cynthia Lummis

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“We already knew the rule wasn’t necessary, with states have shown through decades of practice their nimbleness and effectiveness in regulating oil and gas drilling,” Lummis continued. “Today’s ruling is also a much needed rebuke of an Administration that continually seeks to exceed the authority granted it by our laws and Constitution.”

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead said he was pleased with the US District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl’s decision.

“Today’s decision supports Wyoming’s position– Congress has addressed hydraulic fracturing and precluded federal regulation of it,” Governor Mead said. “Wyoming has sound and responsible rules for hydraulic fracturing – those rules have been in place for years. I will continue to work with the Attorney General as this case moves forward.”