Judge Criticizes Federal Gulf Drilling Assessment

A U.S. District Court judge, Deborah Boardman, has struck down a flawed biological opinion by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that inadequately protected endangered marine species from the risks of oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The court ruled that the assessment violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to consider the potential for catastrophic oil spills, such as the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Environmental groups, including Earthjustice, praised the ruling, asserting it affirms the need for stronger protections for species like the imperiled Rice's whale and endangered sea turtles. Judge Boardman has given NMFS until December 20 to revise the opinion or plan for changes while allowing current oil operations to continue temporarily. The ruling highlights the ongoing tension between environmental protections and the oil industry's interests, with trade groups warning of economic repercussions if new regulations are not prioritized. This decision reflects the Biden administration's broader efforts to address environmental concerns in the Gulf region.