This is one article you will never see on CNN, or MSNBC.
Isnt the drilling taking place more than 12 miles out in the Gulf? Isnt that in International waters where Obama cannot put a moratorium anyway?
The U.S. is not going to allow someone to be in international waters near territorial waters unless they have our permission or are our citizens. The whole national security thing comes into play.
200 nautical miles.
A long read but it lists many circumstances in which a government can claim control over vessels in international waters.
Basically, if I read it correctly, if such vessel or property is owned by or operated by US citizens or in any other way has a claim to US ownership, it is ruled by US law.
I am not going to dig for the law on leases, but I would suspect there are also clauses in those contracts.
How one leases something in international waters, I have no idea but I suspect that is interesting.