With respect to the technical expertise of the judge, I'm not sure that her knowledge of lithium mining or application, or the mating habits of the Sage-grouse is really the issue. As I understand the lawsuit, it claims that the BLM did not adhere to existing law if making its decision. Interpreting whether an entity followed law is no doubt an area where she has technical expertise.

I'm not crazy about this process either, to be sure, but if the BLM acted properly then we should have a favorable outcome.