WikimediaNEW ORLEANS (AP) — A Jefferson Parish lawsuit claiming that several oil companies seriously damaged fragile coastal wetlands is back in state court.
The lawsuit is among 27 alleging damage from oil and gas company canals and waste. Jefferson Parish filed seven and Plaquemines Parish filed 20.
Louisiana State University law professor Edward Richards said Thursday that the parishes will have a much better chance of winning in state court than they would in federal court.
U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle rejected an argument that the suit should remain in federal court because the work supported the companies' offshore exploration and production.
The order and reasons he handed down Wednesday say the case concerns one oil field covering less than four square miles, and trying the alleged violations together makes common sense.