What reason did a federal judge cite for clearing Alligator Alcatraz?

The correct answer revolves around the federal judge's concern regarding the environmental impact associated with Alligator Alcatraz. This reflects a broader legal and regulatory principle wherein environmental considerations play a significant role in decision-making processes related to land use, animal habitats, and ecological balance. Environmental impact assessments often evaluate potential harms to local ecosystems, whether from human activity or other stressors, and it appears that the judge found significant enough issues in this area to warrant the clearing of the site.

By focusing on environmental impacts, the judge prioritized the health of the surrounding ecosystem, which may include considerations such as the welfare of wildlife, the integrity of aquatic habitats, and the long-term sustainability of the area. Such decisions underscore the importance of environmental law and highlight how courts can enforce regulations that protect natural resources.

In this context, it is clear that concerns over safety, visitor complaints, or political pressure may be factors in other scenarios, but they were not the central reason in this case, as indicated by the judge's ruling.