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[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/06/21/rig.worker.gi.art.jpg caption="As oil continues gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, a federal judge will hear arguments Monday from companies seeking to end a 6-month ban on deepwater drilling."]
Companies seek to end moratorium on drilling
(CNN) – As oil continues gushing into the Gulf of Mexico from a ruptured undersea well, a federal judge will hear arguments Monday from companies seeking an end to a temporary moratorium on deepwater drilling.
The six-month ban, instituted by the government last month, halts all drilling in more than 500 feet of water and prevents new permits from being issued.
But a company that provides boats and equipment to the offshore drilling industry says in a lawsuit that the government has no evidence that existing operations pose a threat to the gulf.
Hornbeck Offshore Services LLC and other oil service companies named as plaintiffs in the case say they want a court order declaring the moratorium invalid and unenforceable. A federal judge will hear their arguments Monday morning.
Government lawyers argue that the temporary suspension of deepwater drilling is necessary to assess the safety and regulation issues and reduce the risk of another environmental disaster. Read more
Full coverage | LIVE: Undersea view 
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