"Democrats Question Legality Of Speedy Arctic Refuge Oil Lease Sales"

"Three Democratic lawmakers are raising legal questions about the rapid timeline the Trump administration is using to advance oil and gas development at a wildlife refuge in the Arctic.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) stated in a federal register notice that was published Monday that it must receive bids for land leases by Dec. 31, though they won’t be opened until Jan. 6.

In a letter to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, whose department oversees the BLM, Democratic Reps. Raúl Grijalva (Ariz.), Jared Huffman (Calif.) and Alan Lowenthal (Calif.) argued that requiring bids 23 days after the notice of sale likely goes against the bureau's regulations."

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill December 7, 2020.