Background Hornbeck Offshore Services LLC v. Salazar

in may 2010 u.s. department of interior issued moratorium on deepwater drilling in wake of deepwater horizon oil spill, pending six-month review white house appointed panel.

on may 27, united states department of interior issued press release indicated:

secretary salazar ordering moratorium on drilling of new deepwater wells until presidential commission investigating bp oil spill has completed six-month review. in addition, permitted wells being drilled in deepwater (not counting emergency relief wells being drilled) in gulf of mexico required halt drilling @ first safe stopping point, , take steps secure well.

in response order, hornbeck offshore services filed suit in u.s. district court seeking injunction bar enforcement of moratorium. lawsuit has been joined several companies involved in offshore drilling, , louisiana governor bobby jindal s office signaled support action filing amicus brief state s attorney general.

beginning june 8, 2010, judge martin feldman of u.s. district court in eastern district of louisiana began ruling on motions in case. prior june 22, judge feldman issued several orders expedite case (i.e. moving hearing date july 28 june 21 , denying government s request continuance). on june 22, 2010, feldman granted preliminary injunction lifting moratorium.