6 environmental groups seek to intervene in federal drilling rules lawsuit

CHEYENNE — Six environmental groups asked a judge Tuesday to be allowed to side with the federal government in opposing two lawsuits that contest new rules for oil and gas drilling on federal lands, among which is a requirement that companies report information about chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.

Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl in Casper plans to hear arguments June 23 for and against postponing the rules set to take effect June 24. The hearing applies to both cases.

The U.S. Department of Interior announced the rules in March, prompting the lawsuits filed in Wyoming federal court. Both lawsuits against…