The Plaquemines Parish Council recently came up short in its attempt to withdraw from coastal lawsuits against oil and gas companies, and the long-running legal action may be far from over.
The lawsuits claim the energy industry is responsible for the accelerated coastal erosion in the state and that the industry must rectify the alleged damages. While the Plaquemines Parish Council voted 4-3 last month to end its involvement in the lawsuits, the vote was one short of tally needed to withdraw from the litigation.
According to an article by The Advocate regarding the possibility of the lawsuits continuing, newly elected members of the Plaquemines Parish Council have voiced support of the lawsuits. These members include John Barthelemy, Stuart Guey and Benny Rousselle.
The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) recently commented on the need for jobs over lawsuits in Louisiana and what their hopes are for the future of the parish.
“LMOGA will continue to push for a business and legal climate that promotes job growth for the oil and gas sector in Plaquemines Parish and throughout the state,” LMOGA President Chris John recently told the Louisiana Record.
In addition to the association’s dedication to working to create jobs in the state, it is also their hope that those who have been recently elected will listen not only to the attorneys presenting the lawsuits but also their constituents.
“Hopefully, elected officials will take notice that the citizens of Plaquemines are eager to make their parish one that is attractive to industry, and not trial lawyers,” John said.
Though the immediate future of the lawsuits is uncertain, one of the lead attorneys, John Carmouche, has alluded to his intent to continue the litigation.