US Supreme Court to Hear Chevron, Exxon Appeal in Louisiana Coastal Damage Lawsuits

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and other oil and gas companies seeking to move lawsuits filed by Louisiana parishes over coastal land loss and environmental damage from state to federal court. The companies argue that since their oil production activities during World War II were under federal contracts, the cases should be federally adjudicated, a venue they consider more favorable. Plaintiffs, representing local governments such as Plaquemines and Cameron parishes, accuse the companies of violating state environmental laws and view the appeal as a delay tactic to avoid accountability. These lawsuits, initiated in 2013, have resulted in a significant $745 million jury verdict against Chevron for damages in Plaquemines Parish. The Supreme Court's decision could have wide-reaching implications for dozens of similar cases seeking billions in damages for coastal restoration and erosion mitigation. Experts note the case reflects a broader legal debate over jurisdiction in environmental litigation involving major corporations.