A federal judge has denied an environmental group’s request for an order to prevent drilling for natural gas in the Ozark National Forest.
The Ozark Society wants the U.S. Forest Service to not grant drilling permits while awaiting a November trial on a lawsuit challenging the drilling. The society claims the Forest Service violated the National Environmental Policy Act and didn’t let it take part in the comment process. The group says endangered species, natural resources and recreational activities are threatened by the drilling.
Judge Susan Webber Wright denied a request for a temporary injunction Friday, saying the society failed to prove there is a “threat of imminent irreparable harm.”
Ozark Society President Robert Cross said he is disappointed but the group has not decided if it will appeal.