Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has voiced strong concerns about federal courts and environmental lobbyists, arguing that their actions are damaging to both American oil workers and the economy.

In an interview with FOX Business, Cassidy responded to a Wall Street Journal editorial highlighting restrictions on offshore drilling, especially a recent ruling by Federal Judge Deborah Boardman that could halt oil production in the Gulf of Mexico, raising energy costs in an already weak economy.

Cassidy criticized the courts for siding with environmental groups, stating in the FOX interview, “When the courts do these actions, they are against the American worker and the economy.” He also emphasized the global impact, noting that U.S. natural gas helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and supports allies like Germany.

Cassidy went on to explain that while the goal isn’t to ban fracking outright, the restrictions are a “death by a thousand cuts” strategy, raising costs and making projects unviable. He described this as “a war on the American worker, the global environment, and our allies.”

The Wall Street Journal article focused on Judge Boardman’s ruling, which vacated an environmental assessment related to endangered species in the Gulf. This decision could stop new drilling permits and potentially halt oil production by December.

In response, Cassidy is introducing the REPAIR Act, aimed at preventing delays caused by judicial overreach and ensuring consistency in the legal review of drilling permits.