In a landmark decision, a Southeast Louisiana jury has ordered Chevron to pay over $740 million to restore coastal wetlands damaged by decades of oil and gas operations. The verdict is one of the largest environmental damage awards in the state’s history and marks a significant victory for Plaquemines Parish, which filed the lawsuit under Louisiana’s coastal use laws.   

The case centered on Chevron’s failure to repair environmental harm caused by dredging canals and disposing of waste during oil exploration and production. These activities have contributed to the erosion of Louisiana’s fragile wetlands, which serve as vital buffers against hurricanes and rising sea levels. The ruling sets a precedent for similar lawsuits filed by other parishes against major oil companies, potentially leading to billions more in restoration costs.  

Environmental advocates hailed the decision as a long-overdue step toward holding polluters accountable and funding the restoration of Louisiana’s rapidly disappearing coastline. Chevron has not yet announced whether it will appeal the verdict. 

Source: AP News

https://apnews.com/article/chevron-louisiana-land-loss-lawsuit-oil-e02e2bdd56095e79c4d2bce60bf957c9