Michael Carroll News
Court decision restricts EPA from imposing race-based pollution rules in Louisiana
The federal Environmental Protection Agency cannot impose pollution rules on Louisiana that discriminate based on race in locations such as the industrialized areas along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, a judge ruled.
Louisiana lawsuit challenges federal rule that redefines independent contractor
A family-owned trucking firm in Louisiana is suing the Biden administration over a proposed rule that retools the definition of independent contractor, arguing that the rule threatens the livelihoods of millions of U.S. workers.
Louisiana environmental groups sue over EPA decision giving state agency authority over carbon-capture projects
Louisiana environmental groups on Tuesday filed a legal challenge to the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s decision making the state the primary regulator of carbon-capture projects planned by the oil and gas industry.
12 Louisianans challenge new congressional districts, alleging they're 'racially gerrymandered'
A dozen plaintiffs described as “non-African Americans” have filed a federal lawsuit against Louisiana’s secretary of state, alleging that a new congressional map signed into law last month by Gov. Jeff Landry was a product of unconstitutional racial gerrymandering.
Louisiana Shrimp Association sues federal fisheries agency over turtle-protection rule
The Louisiana Shrimp Association is suing the Biden administration, alleging that a federal fisheries rule requiring the installation of sea turtle protection devices on certain shrimpers’ boats would be “financially crushing” for the industry.
McNeese State University is top Louisiana school in campus free-speech study
McNeese State University in Lake Charles was the only university in Louisiana to receive the highest rating possible from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression for efforts to protect students’ free speech.
Louisiana business groups object to Biden's pause on LNG export permits
The Biden administration late last month announced a temporary pause on pending liquefied natural gas export permits, prompting business groups in Louisiana to call the decision a threat to the state’s LNG production and energy jobs.
More defendants added to free-speech lawsuit against Lafayette library board president
Plaintiffs who filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the former president of the Lafayette library board violated free-speech rights at public meetings are moving to expand the number of defendants in the litigation.
Louisiana ranks ninth for compensation paid by states for wrongful convictions, study finds
Louisiana ranks ninth among the 50 states in terms of how much compensation has been paid out to people wrongly convicted of criminal offenses since 1989, according to a new study by a legal funding company.
Fishermen, environmental groups challenge Louisiana wetlands restoration project
A coalition of environmentalists and fishermen has filed a federal lawsuit to stop a multibillion-dollar sediment-diversion project southwest of New Orleans designed to restore deteriorating wetlands.
New data shows Louisiana suffering from domestic migration outflow
Domestic migration data from the U.S. Census Bureau and two national moving companies shows Louisiana among the few states continuing to suffer from population drains in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Louisiana bill to create closed primary elections for federal offices signed into law
A Louisiana measure that will create closed primary elections for federal elective offices, state Supreme Court justices and members of two state boards has been signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry.
Governor signs new congressional map into law, ending voting rights lawsuit
Gov. Jeff Landry on Monday signed into law a new congressional redistricting map that creates two majority-minority districts in the state, ending a years-long legal battle by plaintiffs who said the previous map violated the federal Voting Rights Act.
Hospital associations file brief supporting Louisiana law mandating drug manufacturer discounts
Hospital groups have filed a legal brief urging a federal court to reject drug manufacturers’ challenge to a Louisiana law that allows state hospitals to receive drug discounts dispensed at community pharmacies under a federal program.
New report charts cost of excessive civil litigation in Louisiana metro areas
Excessive litigation in the New Orleans-Metairie area results in a “tort tax” of $3,039 per person, while the Baton Rouge area residents carry a burden of $1,263 per person, new economic reports show.
Federal lawsuit alleges illegal racial quotas in Louisiana medical board appointments
A group of medical professionals has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that some appointments to a Louisiana medical board amount to racial quotas in violation of the Constitution’s equal protection clause and the 14th Amendment.
Louisiana high court justices, governor call on state lawmakers to redraw their electoral districts
Louisiana House members this week will debate a proposal to redraw the boundaries of state Supreme Court electoral districts in a way that provides two majority-minority districts and offers a path to end more than four years of litigation.
Former LSU athletics administrator seeks recusal of judge after $200,000 legal sanction
A former Louisiana State University athletics administrator has filed a motion to have state Judge Beau Higginbotham recused from her sexual harassment case after the judge ordered the plaintiff and her legal team to pay nearly $200,000 in sanctions.
New election to be held for Caddo Parish sheriff after Louisiana high court declines appeal
The Louisiana Supreme Court has declined to take up the issue of the Caddo Parish sheriff’s race, which was decided on Nov. 18 by a single vote, meaning a special election will decide the contest on March 23.
Business groups back EPA's decision to give Louisiana authority over carbon-capture projects
Business groups are reacting positively to the recent federal Environmental Protection Agency announcement that the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be the lead agency in the state for approving carbon-capture projects.