A single unelected judge in Maryland has managed to jeopardize approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil production per day from the Gulf of Mexico—representing 15% of U.S. production and a critical element of global supply.
The ruling, sparked by a lawsuit led by environmental activist groups, has cast a cloud over one of the most critical pillars of America’s energy security. The court’s decision, which effectively nullifies a broad-based 2020 environmental study, could freeze both current operations and future investments. If Congress does not act swiftly to restore regulatory stability, the consequences for U.S. energy independence, national security, and consumer affordability could be serious.
