The federal district court in New Orleans has approved a settlement of litigation brought by environmental groups against the Department of Interior and BOEM. The enviros alleged that Interior/BOEM has violated NEPA in its regulation of oil and gas seismic in the Gulf of Mexico. Industry parties intervened as defendants in the case. The parties’ settlement stays the case for 30 months, or until NOAA/NMFS publishes final MMPA take rules for Gulf seismic, whichever comes first. In the interim, BOEM and the industry parties agree to take several actions, and the enviros agree not to sue anyone.
Click here to read settlement agreement.
Click here to read parties’ motion asking the court to stay the case based on the settlement agreement.
Click here to read court’s order approving settlement and staying case.
