“In 2013, the Board of Commissioners of SLFPA-E filed a lawsuit in Louisiana state court against 97 exploration and production oil and gas companies. The lawsuit alleged that the oil and gas companies’ activities had damaged coastal lands and “increased the risk of flooding due to storm surges and necessitated costly flood protection measures.” The U.S. District Court concluded that the Board’s claims did not state sufficient grounds for relief, as outlined in state law. The Board then appealed. On March 3, 2017, the United States Fifth District Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s dismissal of the Board’s claim. On Monday, October 30th, the United States Supreme Court denied the SLFPA-E formula request to review the lower court’s decision. This ruling by the Supreme Court affirms the judgment rendered by the Court of Appeals to be the final decision.
The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) and the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) issued the following statements in response to the United States Supreme Court’s denial to hear the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East (SLFPA-E) appeal of a lower court’s ruling.
“It’s three strikes, and you’re out!” said Don Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. “The SLFPA-E lawsuit was dismissed in a U.S. District Court, refused by a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and denied by the U.S. Supreme Court. These and similar frivolous lawsuits against oil and gas companies are destroying Louisiana’s competitiveness to attract future investment. We are thankful for the Supreme Court’s ruling and will continue to hold true to our convictions, fighting to ensure that the oil and gas industry remains a cornerstone of Louisiana’s culture.”
“This decision finally closes the book on one of many frivolous lawsuits in Louisiana. As I have said from the beginning, these claims are meritless and I am gratified to see the U.S. Supreme Court denied their writ. Finally, we can put this lawsuit to rest,” said Chris John, President of Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association.”
To learn more about LMOGA and LOGA, you may view their website here: http://www.lmoga.com & http://loga.la.