US Supreme Court allows sonar use

BBC ^ | November 12, 2008

[jazusamo]

The US Supreme Court has removed restrictions on the navy's use of sonar in training exercises near California.

The ruling is a defeat for environmental groups who say the sonar can kill whales and other mammals.

President George W Bush intervened in the long-running dispute, citing national security interests.

In its 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court said the navy needed to conduct realistic training exercises to respond to potential threats.

The court did not deal with the merits of the claims put forward by the environmental groups.

It said, rather, that federal courts abused their discretion by ordering the navy to limit sonar use in some cases and to turn it off altogether in others.

[onedoug]

So, beaches in WWII were awash in rotting whales and fish carcases?

[LiberConservative]

NUKE SONAR THE WHALES!

[Daveinyork]

“It’s a possibility but hopefully Adm. Mullen can convince him otherwise. “

I doubt it. Obama and his ilk think the US is indefensible and undefendable. He’ll not want to defend us.

[george76]

Good for a few weeks?

All bets are off next year.

[curling]

I’m surprised no one said this yet.....

PING !!!

[Desdemona]

"The most serious possible injury would be harm to an unknown number of the marine mammals," Chief Justice Roberts wrote. "In contrast, forcing the navy to deploy an inadequately trained anti-submarine force jeopardises the safety of the fleet."

Thank you John Roberts.