In 2005, the U.S. Forest Service issued permits for Savoy Energy LP to drill for natural gas in Huron-Manistee National Forest [1], near an area where endangered Kirtland's Warblers are present. The company would have removed three acres of forest, widened roads, and installed drilling equipment. Environmental groups launched a lawsuit to protect the warblers, and last week, they won [2].

U.S. District Judge David Lawson of the Eastern District of Michigan ruled the Forest Service "acted arbitrarily and capriciously in finding that the leaseholder's proposed drilling project would have no significant environmental impact."

Federal officials should have better considered potential degradation of recreational aspects of the Mason Tract, the setting of precedent and the biological effect on the endangered Kirtland's warbler, Lawson said.

Also, Lawson said officials did not consider a "no action" alternative or relocation of the bottom hole of the well, more reasons their assessment fell short. He restrained and enjoined the federal government from relying on their "inadequate" environmental reviews, which prevents the well project from moving forward.

Drilling for more oil and natural gas is just a band-aid for a problem that is much more complex and that calls for comprehensive solutions. There may be a place for additional drilling, but endangered wildlife should not be sacrificed in the process.