The Supreme Court ruled for the first time in its 2008-2009 term, and it was quite a controversial ruling, if we take into consideration the serious environmental implications it holds.

The Unite States Navy used their sonars in the anti-submarine training, off the coasts of Southern California. The problems they faced were the environmental protection policies. Those policies stated that the sonars cannot be used when there are marine mammals nearby. Lower courts ruled in favor of the whales and dolphins, but the Navy took the case to the Supreme Court. The Justices were of the opinion that hindering proper anti-submarine training was a threat to national security.

Before the case reached the Supreme Court, it was judged by both a Los Angeles federal judge and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Both courts decided that the sonar use should be restricted during their training session, sessions which are apparently scheduled to end next month.

George W. Bush issued an order in January, which exempted the Navy from the environmental policies, not only when it comes to sonar use, but in regards to all environmental-related laws. The Los Angeles judge said that the order was invalid. The Navy only challenged two restrictions on sonar use, out of the total six mentioned in the environmental laws. One of these states that it is illegal to use sonars within less than 12 miles of the coast.

The litigation regarding the use of sonars against environmental policies has been going on for 10 years, and progress has been made with the case. Navy officials are happy with the result, as they can continue to properly train in order to effectively protect the nation. Moreover, the Navy will hand in a report regarding the effect of their training on the environment, to serve in the future.