North Dakota oil industry executive following judge's ruling: federal tracts have a "big impact"

(Fargo, ND) -- The head of the North Dakota Petroleum Council is reacting after a U.S. district court judge ordered the federal government to resume oil and gas lease sales on federal lands in North Dakota.

"So this decision is a strong decision. The action was taken by the State of North Dakota who of course has a huge interest in oil and gas activity and minerals and is the largest mineral owner in North Dakota," said Ron Ness.

Ness says small, fractional federal tracts have a "big impact" on significant areas of the Bakken, which are prolific oil and gas producing areas.

The Biden Administration suspended the lease sales two years ago, citing concerns over climate change.  

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley says canceled lease sales have cost the state $200 million in lost revenue over the past two years.