Opinion ID: 396596
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Did the district court properly deny the preliminary injunction?

Text: 7 The district court's refusal to grant a preliminary injunction can be reversed only if there was an abuse of discretion. Miss Universe, Inc. v. Flesher, 605 F.2d 1130, 1132-33 (9th Cir. 1979). A preliminary injunction should be granted only if the movant can show either: (1) probable success on the merits and the possibility of irreparable injury, or (2) that serious questions are raised and the balance of hardships tips sharply in the movant's favor. Id. at 1134. Both tests have been applied in this circuit. 8 While the Foundation does have a strong chance of success, see Section IV infra, it has not shown that irreparable injury would result from allowing the new contract to stand during the course of these proceedings. Future relief can be granted because any work done by GPI under the new contract will be reimbursed if that contract is later withdrawn. 16 U.S.C. § 20e. The Foundation's allegations of irreparable harm to the environment and historical values are unsubstantiated. 9 Under the second test for a preliminary injunction, the Foundation again has not made a sufficient showing. The balance of hardships must tip sharply in its favor. The district court found that safety improvements were needed for the 1981 summer season. It found also that these improvements could not be done unless the new contract was allowed to proceed. Although the Foundation disputes this and argues that the improvements would have been done without the new contract, the district court's finding is not clearly erroneous. 10 The denial of the preliminary injunction is affirmed. 11