Louisiana Flood Board Oil Industry Lawsuit Under Review

A federal judge has heard a series of complex arguments on the future of a lawsuit blaming numerous oil, gas and pipeline companies for the loss of coastal wetlands in Louisiana.

U.S. District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown says she’s unlikely to issue a written ruling before Dec. 10, when more issues will be argued.

The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East contends that coastal drilling and dredging has contributed to the loss of coastal wetlands that protect New Orleans from hurricanes.

Oil, gas and pipeline attorneys contend that the suit cannot be pursued under federal or state law. They noted a law the industry and its allies pushed through the 2014 Legislature that seeks to retroactively kill the lawsuit.