Judge blocks plan for oil, gas drilling in Arctic

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"An Alaska federal judge blocked plans for oil and gas drilling in the Arctic on Wednesday, ruling that the U.S. Interior Department did not adequately consider the proposal's environmental impact.

The government did not analyze the possible effects of natural gas exploration in Alaska's Chukchi Sea, the judge said, nor did it compile potentially critical information about how drilling could affect wildlife.

Both actions violated the National Environmental Policy Act, one of the nation's signature environmental laws, U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline ruled. He ordered the department to revise its environmental analysis before drilling can proceed.

The ruling adds to the oil and gas industry's recent Arctic setbacks. Shell Oil was poised to begin exploratory drilling in the Chukchi Sea this summer, but the Obama administration froze the plan in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, citing safety concerns.

Environmentalists said the judge's ruling could put a stop to all pre-drilling activities, such as seismic tests, which drilling companies had planned to launch soon - and which conservation groups warn could harm whales and other marine mammals."

Read more: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/07/21/1536088/judge-blocks-plan-for-oil-gas.html#ixzz0uNFMwtRZ

[aquart]

1. Like him. Could he do some work in the Gulf?

Most of the Gulf judges need to be recused.

[txlibdem]

3. Seriously n/t

[NYC_SKP]

2. Good.

This judge must be an exception to the rule, but whoever he or she is, I salute him or her.

:patriot:

[Nite Owl]

4. Good!

[Blue_In_AK]

5. Here is the info on Judge Beistline for the curious..

http://judgepedia.org/index.php/Ralph_Beistline