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You have to read six paragraphs in to get to the real issue. 
Hilcorp bid only $63k for the right to drill for gas on 5000 acres.  
If that sounds like a steal, you're right. 
BUT
Previously the department of the Interior had considered a lease but canceled it due to "lack of commercial interest."  
However the inflation reduction act REQUIRED the government to hold a lease sale as part of the  argain with Joe manchin. 
However (2x) the lease is contingent on the results of a lawsuit by environmental groups arguing the legally required environmental impact statement failed to adequately consider whether gas drilling would impact whales. Which probably affected the price.