Court To Hear Chevron, Exxon Bid To Move La. Wetlands Cases To Federal Court

"The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear arguments from Chevron and Exxon that coastal wetlands lawsuits filed by two Louisiana parishes should be transferred to federal court — a decision that could ripple across dozens of similar cases seeking billions of dollars in damages.

The oil companies say they were fulfilling federal contracts during World War II, a defense that lower courts have so far rejected. How the high court rules could affect a recent landmark $745 million jury verdict in Plaquemines Parish and shape the future of 42 similar lawsuits accusing oil companies of destroying much of Louisiana’s coastline.

“Chevron is pleased that the Supreme Court has decided to grant review in these cases, and we look forward to presenting our arguments to the court,” Chevron’s counsel, Paul Clement, said in a statement.

“Chevron is pleased that the Supreme Court has decided to grant review in these cases, and we look forward to presenting our arguments to the court,” Chevron’s counsel, Paul Clement, said in a statement. "

Alex Lubben reports for the New Orleans Times-Picayune June 16, 2025. 

SEE ALSO:

"Dozens More Cases Await After Verdict Holds Oil Industry Responsible For Louisiana Coastal Damage" (New Oeleans Times-Picayune)

 

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 06/18/2025