The Alternative Factor - S1-E28
Other mistake: When Spock calls Kirk to the bridge after he discovers the Lazarus energy source, he and Lazarus head to the bridge. There is a shot of McCoy standing in the corridor, and one of the red alert panels is burned out while the other is still flashing.
Chosen answer: If they're in orbit, they're being pulled along by the planet's gravity well, therefore, impulse engines would only be used for minor corrections and would be "on standby" while in orbit, but not active. (Like keeping your car idling without revving the engine and creating plumes of exhaust).
Captain Defenestrator
Thank you for the info.
Movie Nut