By Stephen Power
A federal judge Tuesday overturned the Obama administration’s six-month moratorium on new deepwater oil and gas drilling, delivering a temporary victory to the oil industry and a rebuke to the White House.The temporary injunction by U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman appears unlikely to bring a swift resumption of deepwater drilling: Oil companies say they’re reluctant to start new ventures as an uncertain appeals process unfolds.
Ratcheting up the legal battle, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced late Tuesday he would issue an order in the coming days to effectively reinstate the moratorium, which he said is “needed to protect the communities and the environment of the Gulf Coast.”
In addition, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the administration would appeal the decision by Judge Feldman. The case’s next destination is the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, which is expected to put the case on a fast track.
“Activitst” Judges… goes both ways I guess, hmmmm?
Judge Martin Feldman, a U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, sided with a drilling company which had argued that the Obama administration’s blanket, 6-month moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico was illegal. The drilling company, Hornbeck Offshore Services of Covington, LA, claimed financial distress from the imposition of the moratorium. In the ruling handed down this afternoon, Judge Feldman agreed, writing that the administration made an “arbitrary and capricious†decision that would have an “immeasurable effect on the plaintiffs, the local economy, the Gulf region, and the critical present-day aspect of the availability of domestic energy in this country.†Like many judges presiding in the Gulf region, Feldman owns lots of energy stocks, including Transocean, Halliburton, and two of BP’s largest U.S. private shareholders — BlackRock (7.1%) and JP Morgan Chase (28.3%).
Seems to me that your point…… isn’t! From the above posted story:
“Judge Feldman owned shares in a wide variety of energy firms, including onshore oil and gas producers, pipeline companies and shallow-water drilling contractors, none of which would likely be directly affected by the deepwater moratorium.
But he also had investments in companies that have been affected. In 2008, he owned stock in Transocean Ltd., the deepwater-drilling specialist that owned the Deepwater Horizon. He also owned stock in offshore oil producer ATP Oil & Gas, offshore driller Rowan and oil services firm Halliburton, but had sold those shares by the end of 2008.
When asked about his holdings, a secretary for Judge Feldman, referred to the “public record” of his filings, but the most recent filing was not available from the federal court. In a May 24 order in a separate case tied to the oil spill, the judge noted his holdings do not raise a conflict of interest.”
It says that he sold those shares by the end of 2008! So there is no conflict of interest here. Here’s a thought…. maybe the ruling is above board, with no conflicts, and you just have to find something to shoot it down with. But you are shooting blanks!!
I have tremendous respect for this judge. Twice now he has told the feds to take a hike! I read his ruling, he’s a smart guy. A little victory goes a long way.
Gentlemen, he was vetted before be took the case. Check the record. “Robbie Boy” can spin all the liberal BS he wants. Check it out. Especially you “Robbie Boy!”
It’s just another tactic in the Left-hand playbook. If you don’t like it make a personal attack! The judge sold those holdings in 2008!!!! As if he knew the oil rig was going to blow up two years before it happened. Nice job Rob!!!
Neil, we are on the same page. Unfortunately, you do not see this information on the media. Wonder why?
The Judge is worried about “the local economy” and the “gulf region” ! Wow. Now I can rest in peace. You don’t hear much about any of these kinds of conflicts of interest because they are so common. It’s the wealthy looking out for the wealthy- same old story. Not exciting. The Judge apparently didn’t sell all of his holdings- I’d bet. But maybe that defender of all things wealthy, Neil the Serf, is right. But who knows? It would take a good reporter with nothing to lose to fine out for sure.
THERE IS NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST!!!!!!!! Geeeeeeez louise!!
Dan I don’t understand why you will edit me asking Rob how thick his skull is, which as far as insults go is a pretty lame one, but you don’t edit him calling me a serf! That is insulting to me, at least a worse insult than saying he has a thick skull. Well, I think that is the last time. I’m going to look somewhere else to speak my mind. I’m 44 years old, and I can handle anything said to me. And Rob is an [edited] and deserves to be insulted [editors note: Not here, he doesn’t], and if he can’t take it then he’s a bigger [censored profanity] than I thought. I believe in free speech, and sometimes real speech has a few swear words, that’s how real people talk! It’s about what I think [editors note: start your own site. This one has rules], and sometimes I think Rob is a liar, a jerk, an [censored profanity], and yes, a moron [editor: regardless, that’s not the kind of discourse this site is set up for]. And if you will not allow me to speak my mind, and to convey what I think as I write it, then I don’t belong here [please do speak your mind, but be polite]. Besides, the global warming scam is pretty much over and this blog belongs to Rob. it should be called whatrobthinks.com [editor: lol!]
You guys are engaging in a flame war, and it’s hard to keep up. I may be missing some stuff. Raise the bar on the quality of discourse, or I might just have to moderate every comment – and that’s no fun for anyone. Keep personalities out of the discussion. Stick to issues – Point. Counterpoint.
You’re the only regular commentator on the site that I’ve met and I think you’re a good guy and hope you will stick around, because you make good points and I enjoy reading your commentary, but the discourse has (disappointingly) devolved into an unproductive shouting match. You’re better than that. Liberal loonies devolve into name-calling when they’ve lost the argument or are afraid to debate. Don’t be “that guy.”
The comments here are dominated by 3-4 regulars, but over 3000 unique visitors drop by every week and this is set up to be a family-friendly site. Please be respectful of other readers and your friendly neighborhood site editor. I have a lot of other responsibilities. Please don’t make my job at GCS harder. Shake hands, apologize for past personal insults and resume debate of the Global Climate Scam.
Far from over – we’re perhaps months away from new climate legislation in the US that’s going to cost us all alot of dough, despite the unravelling of the evidence. It is and has always been about money and power. The elitists aren’t going to let inconvenient science get in their way.
Everyone, please take a refresher on the commenting rules.
Spread the wealth to him as well as others that never worked hard, earned or followed a dream to have security financially that you worked so hard to build. Oh well, what’s a 100% tax on $100.00? Zero net back to the taxpayer being all working people. Why work hard, be productive/innovative/excel? etc? There is no incentive. Let’s be like Spain, et al. Nothing for Robbie nor you or I. lets just give all we have earned to everyone that guys like Robbie believes deserves it without going for it. Henry Ford is a good example, he worked for it! Did he have an excellent life-style? Yes. Did he earn it? You are damn right! With Robbie attitude we will never have another “Henry Ford.” That is where our country is headed. Sad but true.
Calling someone a serf elicits such anger and profanity? I am also a serf, we all are (except for the top 1% or so), and maybe I should have added that little detail. But after all this time, I would have thought Neil understood that concept (that I too am a powerless schmuck). Neil aptly demonstrates the Right’s mentality with regards to “discourse” and I’m glad Dan left it up for all to see. So even though I admit to being (most of the time) in the same sad category as the rest of the “useless eaters” and a slave to the elite (a serf) Neil still reacts explosively and stomps his feet like a…. well I won’t say it.
How many Henry Fords can the world support? About as many as can fit through an eye of a needle… well maybe a few, but not many in any case. Just another spurious statement/point from our resident master of canards.
So instead of giving “all” you have “earned” to the poor you’d prefer to give it to the wealthy? How about neither, and what is fair- from everyone? That would be nice for a change.
After Cap N Trade passes it really won’t make any difference, will it? We will all be the same. Economy in the tank, you earn and pay the same high tax others as well as suffering financially. We will all be equal. Won’t that be nice? Share the wealth they continue to say. We all will and America will pay for it. That, by the way is you and I.
But Paul, the economy was in the tank prior to the last major election. To what do you attribute that pray tell?
and this fact goes unresponded to… And you guys even pretend to be intelligent and informed??
gee, how about blaming Clinton? that was a good one for awhile
Neil, do me as others that respect your posts a favor. Please chill. You reacted, as I, from posts from others that got you extremely upset and your “dander up” like me. Consider the source, myself included, and keep speaking your mind. By the way, salty language never solves problems. I never read your post you discussed with Dan nor do I care to now. My father/grandfather always said that anyone that uses foul language has no real words to say. You, my friend, do have something to say and you say it well! Delete the “salt” and go for the “sugar.” Brings more people to the table.
The goal is to defeat Cap N Trade. Talked to some clients today and they are not moving on any investments until this matter is settled. In other words, investments stifled. Gentlemen, our economy is waiting, not moving, it is stagnant until this administration let’s us know their true colors. So far, we know what to expect. No action, just reaction. Enough said.
I agree, just reaction. That plays well with the economy! (kidding) If people can’t see their true colors by now (which I don’t believe) then they never will. Especially with the gulf spill, my god do you need anymore proof of incompetence? Hopefully the finance bill goes down the tubes and then cap’n’tax. I have been thinking though, I have said before that I didn’t think the Dem’s would in good conscience vote for “slap and spade” if they were lame duck. I am getting the feeling they might do it anyway. That scares the heck out of me. I think that is a total disregard for the wish’s of the people. How do we stop that?
How do you stop that? You talk to others and Hal, please vote! I cannot count the number of people that I have talked to over the years that come to find out, never voted! Talk is cheap. Voting is Your choice. Pull the trigger in the voting booth my friend.
Yeeessss, yeeessss, the precious…voooote. The precious… !!!!!!
I’ve seen the movie.
I’m sorry. I guess it boils down to that I used to have fun here, and now it is not really all that much fun anymore. I’m going to take a break for a while and will be back when i have chilled out. Later!
Neil, have you read where the EPA is attempting to basically shut down our major refineries in Texas? It never ends. I took a break as well as you should. that said, wish more people would post their honest opinions, such as you have and will in the future. Can’t stand people silent in their core beliefs. Relax, and hope to see your posts later my friend. Finally, I was taught to say what I think when things are wrong in my opinion. That’s why I respond as I do. Will never change nor should you.
Where, Paul, did you read THAT bs?! Site your sources oh noble one.
You like me because I don’t stay silent on my core beliefs Paul? Really? Aw shucks.
Yes, and NEVER change, God forbid !!! yikes…
Ok Neil, take a break. I hope you don’t go for too long though. I like to read your posts and get your take on these matters! After the 4th of July break the Senate will be back…and we know what that means. I too am taking a break. Will be out of town for a week or so. Desperate need of cabin time.
Agree! Everyone take a Break and Celebrate “Our Fourth of July,” with family and friends!!!! Later.
Yes, all the elite who don’t have to work this weekend- take a break… as for all you others, tough bounce. Work hard and it shall set you free!
I just finished working virtual before getting on this site and will continue throughout this weekend through Monday at the office. Does that qualify, or am I an “Elitist?” Must be according to you.
Robbie Boy, as to your post at 6:16 a.m. 7/2/2010, Please fact check EPA reality before you comment further. Suggest that you read more often. That would be a start. I’m going back to work, are you?
Did I name you Paul? Nope.
Paranoia? Grandiosity? Narcissism?
Not personally but I took offense. People do work over the holidays including “Elitest.”
Oh I see. What a noble thing it is you do… Wow. Where’s your statue? I’m sure it’s being erected as we speak.
My statue is in the boat house marked “Used.” And yours?
I have no boat, let alone a boat house, let alone a cabin. Despite two college degrees and two jobs. That’s our new America !!!
When the capitalists moved the manufacturing capabilities outside the borders of the US they were also able to undercut their opponents’ base of support, the unions. The more they moved facilities overseas the weaker the opposition got. This allowed them to further attack the supposedly high wages of the unions as there were more and more non-union workers. The plan was brilliant, and worked fabulously. They were able to reduce labor costs and pocket that money. They were also able to convince the populous that the problem was not that they were keeping a disproportionate amount of the wealth, but that the unions were the ones making to much … they split their opposition.
Now there are college educated people who are making less than union workers, not because union workers are overpaid, but because college grads are underpaid. Furthermore, many college graduates see themselves as being in a higher class than union workers, which prevents them from banding together to protect themselves.
Unions need to remake their image. They need to show that the wage they demand is fair, and is what all hard working people should be making. They need to expand into office areas, and other non-traditional union areas. They need to gain a broader solidarity, which it sounds like they are attempting.
You hit it on the head. Unions “demand what is fair.” It does not work that way. It’s what the market will bear. The 1930’s are over absent Teacher Unions, Government employees Unions, State unions, municipal et al that we all personally pay for. Not the “average Joe America” like me and others. We don’t have “security” and a pension plan that would choke a horse. It comes out of our pockets and goes into theirs. Hell of a nice ride until the horse that carries them dies. Then what?
You are an angry and misguided man. Unfortunately there are many like you out there. I’m angry too, but not misguided.
We are doomed. But maybe that’s ok. Maybe out of the ashes we can remake a better America. But people like you need to shed your hatred of others who feel differetnly about certain things, and open your eyes to who is or who may become your true enemy. The first true enemy is hatred and ignorance.
You state it best, The “enemy is hatred and ignorance.” Suggest that you re-read your numerous posts. A wake up call? Enough said.
Thanks Saul… I would suggest you do the same.
Have and will continue.