Based on what the judge said today, they would have to come in with some very precise info & request a moratorium limited in scope. Fox example, if it was determined that a flibberwidget on BP’s rig failed & all of the other rigs have or may have a similar flibberwidget, the court may find it reasonable to suspend drilling for a brief period to allow for inspections to be made & reports submitted to the courts.
My sense from today’s ruling is that he is looking for specificity that would be enough to override the staggering amount of economic harm that would be done.
IOW the govt has to show a compelling state interest that outweights the damage that will be done.
Thanks for your reply. Somehow I don't think this Judge is going to take too kindly with their issuing another ban. You'd think that whatever additional facts they have to support their viewpoint should have been included in their argument in the first place, or at least should be used in their appeal. I don't think issuing a whole new ban is going to go over very well. This morning, I see Drudge is reporting that the government shut down the dredging for the sand berms. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department wants them to move them 2 miles farther out. What good they'll do all the way out there is beyond me.