A bill is heading to the Senate floor that would prevent local governments from pursuing coastal land loss lawsuits against oil and gas companies. Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens his legislation clarifies who has the authority to pursue such litigation and that’s the governor and attorney general.
“We are essentially streamlining enforcement actions and putting the state in the driver’s seat to assert proper leadership and control over the coastal lawsuits,” said Hensgens.
There are dozens of lawsuits in the court system from local governments seeking money for coastal damages done by oil and gas companies. Several local leaders testified against the legislation.
“We need to be able to have the right to sue, we need to be able to hold oil and gas responsible,” said Jefferson Parish council member Scott Walker.
Out of all of the lawsuits that have been filed, only one has been tentatively settled. Freeport McMoRan has agreed to pay 100-million dollars to repair coastal damages. St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis can’t believe that the state now wants to take that money away.
“I have to sit here to fight for my right, to represent the citizens that I represent and you represent, to keep $100-million dollars in my pocket that is absolutely ridiculous, I know I’ve lost my mind right now,” said McInnis.
The controversial legislation received approval from the Senate Natural Resources Committee on a four-three vote. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt has pushed for local control when it comes to reopening the economy, but in this case, she says it’s appropriate for the state to manage the coast.
“I think we are all working and we are all together and we all want to serve our constituents and I understand it’s very difficult when you feel like you’ve got easy money, but it’s not right,” said Hewitt.
Opponents of the legislation argue the state doesn’t have financial resources to go after oil and gas companies for damaging the coast.
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