Grow Louisiana Coalition Responds to Chevron vs. Plaquemine Parish Oral Arguments at Supreme Court: It’s Time to End Coastal Lawsuit Abuse

Following today’s oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court, Grow Louisiana Coalition Executive Director Marc Ehrhardt issued the following statement regarding ongoing coastal lawsuits:

“Two Facts remain clear: Chevron’s predecessors played an integral role in supporting our nation’s wartime mission through federal and state permitted activities more than eight decades ago, and it’s time for these coastal lawsuits to end. Lawsuit supporters claiming at the 11th hour that this never-ending exercise is to benefit our state’s coast is a disingenuous attempt to fool the people of Louisiana. This is about billboard lawyers getting their piece of the action first and foremost. That has never changed, and the damage has been staggering.

Since 2009, Louisiana has lost more than $600 billion in economic output. Energy production in Louisiana waters plunged 56% while production in federal waters grew 15%. State mineral royalties have been slashed in half, and since 2014, Louisiana energy workers have missed out on $1.1 billion in pay.

The impact is undeniable. Louisiana families, communities and small businesses are paying the price while a handful of billboard lawyers profit. It’s time to end coastal lawsuit abuse and focus on real solutions that protect our coast, strengthen our economy and sustain the industries that fuel our state. Louisiana works when we work together.”