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LOUISIANA RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Pelican Institute calls Plaquemines Parish suit targeting energy companies an example of lawsuit abuse

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In the wake of lawsuits alleging climate damage filed by Plaquemines Parish and by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards against leading energy and gas companies, organizations and parish residents are leaning more favorably toward the companies' side. 

The parish's suit alleges that the gas and oil companies are responsible for the massive coastal erosion which is occurring throughout the state, but Plaquemines Parish residents are not convinced, a recent posting on dailycaller.com said 

Daniel Erspamer, CEO of Pelican Institute for Public Policy, explained why the voters in Plaquemines may be opposing the claims, as 57 percent of voters in the area are standing with the energy companies, according to a survey conducted by the Louisiana Free Enterprise Institute.

"This shows that Plaquemines Parish voters understand the importance of the oil and gas industry to their quality of life and the harm lawsuit abuse can do to the availability of quality jobs and opportunity in the parish," Erspamer told the Louisiana Record.

Erspamer said the legal action is an example of lawsuit abuse, something that is costing Louisiana dearly. He then cited a report which showed excessive litigation costing Louisiana's economy $1.1 billion a year in addition to more than 15,000 jobs. 

"Suing one of the state's largest employers won't help foster job and economic growth, and it is a particularly bad approach for Louisianans still feeling the pain of a tumultuous economy," Erspamer said. 

Erspamer is hopeful that the officials in Plaquemines Parish will listen to the overwhelming majority of residents who are in opposition to the lawsuit. 

"Louisiana must prioritize legal reform, because the current status quo simply isn't helping working families and job creators in our state," Erspamer said.

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