WASHINGTON, DC — Today, after a federal judge in New Orleans blocked a six-month moratorium on deep-water drilling projects that the Obama Administration had imposed in response to the BP Gulf oil spill, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:

"In the wake of a catastrophe like this spill, today's ruling is a deep disappointment. There shouldn't be any more deepwater drilling in unsafe areas until there is greater certainty about how to prevent and contain another spill. Otherwise, we are increasing the risk for another disaster. I hope the decision is overturned and that Congress takes steps to reform the permitting process and safety procedures."