Addressing the problem of coastal erosion is essential and, while much more needs to be done, efforts are making progress. The litigation that the state and parishes are pursuing does not enhance these efforts. It creates barriers to improved public-private cooperation and sends an anti-growth message that discourages desperately needed economic activity in the region.
Numerous Louisiana parishes are suing oil and gas companies over coastal erosion. A Plaquemines Parish courtroom has a front row seat to one of the more high-dollar cases taking place where the plaintiffs have reportedly asked for more than $3 billion in damages from just one of the defendants.
Undoubtedly these lawsuits will enrich trial lawyers if successful. They will not remedy the coastal erosion problems afflicting the state, however. Making matters even worse, these lawsuits are discouraging needed income and job growth for residents by exacerbating Louisiana’s anti-growth policies.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
Louisiana Is Litigating Away Its Economic Prosperity
Wayne H Winegarden
Addressing the problem of coastal erosion is essential and, while much more needs to be done, efforts are making progress. The litigation that the state and parishes are pursuing does not enhance these efforts. It creates barriers to improved public-private cooperation and sends an anti-growth message that discourages desperately needed economic activity in the region.
Numerous Louisiana parishes are suing oil and gas companies over coastal erosion. A Plaquemines Parish courtroom has a front row seat to one of the more high-dollar cases taking place where the plaintiffs have reportedly asked for more than $3 billion in damages from just one of the defendants.
Undoubtedly these lawsuits will enrich trial lawyers if successful. They will not remedy the coastal erosion problems afflicting the state, however. Making matters even worse, these lawsuits are discouraging needed income and job growth for residents by exacerbating Louisiana’s anti-growth policies.
Read the op-ed here:
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.