Photo courtesy of Center for Biological DiversityNEW ORLEANS (AP) —Dozens of environmental protesters shouting "Shut it down" disrupted a federal government oil and gas lease auction in New Orleans.
They showed up during Wednesday morning's bidding at the Superdome on leases for roughly 45 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico.
Oil and gas companies have submitted bids for the right to explore and develop oil and natural gas deposits in the central and eastern Gulf.
Protesters say the drilling and the use of fossil fuels are harmful to the environment.
They marched to the Superdome holding signs saying "no drill, no spill" or "Keep it in the Ground."
As an announcer at a microphone gave the results of the bidding, the protesters shouted "Shut it down." People present for the auction recorded the proceedings with their phones.
Approximately 45 million acres will be made available for oil and gas exploration and development in the Gulf as part of the sale.
Interest has been limited in recent sales as the industry struggles with low oil prices.