LOUISIANA RECORD

The scheme recently announced by private plaintiffs' attorneys, which purports to provide a framework to settle government lawsuits targeting hundreds of energy producers over alleged coastal land loss claims, perfectly illustrates what we've known for a long time: these trial lawyer-driven lawsuits are a farce that have nothing to do with saving the coast.

Louisiana is a unique state, notable among the others in the nation. We are known for our exquisite Cajun cuisine, a football coach with an often indiscernible southern dialect, and a colorful political climate with seemingly endless elections.

The Plaquemines Parish Council recently voted 4-3 in favor of withdrawing from a set of coastal lawsuits filed against oil and gas companies operating in the parish.

If there ever were a time in U.S. history when the phrase “elections have consequences” would be most accurate, now would be that time. The contrast between the past and current United States President could not be more different. Under President Obama, we experienced moratorium on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, endless regulations and negative rhetoric.

The days of pen and paper seem to be coming to a close as this method of communication is being replaced by tablets and smart phones.