On April 4, a Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, jury delivered a remarkable verdict: Chevron was ordered to pay $744 million in damages for purported coastal degradation associated with oil production dating back to World War II.
While environmentalists and local government bureaucrats are celebrating what they perceive as an economic boon, others of us see a different picture. We observe an assault on Louisiana’s business climate and a threat to public-private cooperation essential for national defense. Furthermore, the recent developments in Louisiana strike at the core of President Donald Trump’s initiatives to restore U.S. energy dominance and military readiness.
The decision from the Plaquemines Parish courthouse has significant policy implications beyond that jurisdiction and will likely have adverse effects in various areas.
Led by lead plaintiff Republican…
