Federal judge blocks drilling moratorium

CNN\'s Brian Todd brings us the latest.

A federal judge in New Orleans has blocked a moratorium that would stop deep water drilling projects.

U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman in New Orleans overturned the ban Tuesday, saying the government simply assumed that because one rig exploded, the others pose an imminent danger, too.

The White House promised an immediate appeal of his decision.

The Interior Department had imposed the moratorium last month in the wake of the BP disaster, halting approval of any new permits for deepwater projects and suspending drilling on 33 exploratory wells.

CNN’s Brian Todd has been following the story and says the judge’s decision was a complete surprise, but has shocked some.

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Amelia Brust/FNNFederal budget request concept

    House GOP setting up DOGE subcommittee to address ‘wasteful’ federal spending

    Read more
    Social Security

    In final pitch, O’Malley highlights ‘deep concerns’ for SSA before his resignation next week

    Read more