Ruling could mean trials against Big Oil over state wetlands
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Federal judges have ordered a 9-year-old lawsuit against oil and gas companies over damage to Louisiana wetlands to be returned to state court for trial. The ruling by a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals potentially clears the way for over 40 similar suits to move forward. The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reports that panel on Monday upheld a decision by a now-deceased U.S. district judge. The ruling returns the suit filed by Plaquemines Parish against Chevron USA, Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, BP America and Shell to state court in Plaquemines Parish. A spokesperson for the companies could not say whether they will appeal.