The Louisiana Environmental Action Network says state Sen. Robert Adley's bill would diminish the ability of the poor to challenge industry and government in court. The Louisiana Environmental Action Network is urging its members to contact state Sen. Robert Adley, sponsor of a bill aimed at neutering university law clinics, to ask him to withdraw the legislation.
LEAN is taking issue with Senate Bill 549 because it would bar university law clinics from filing a petition or lawsuit against government agencies, ban lawsuits seeking monetary damages and place the clinics under the oversight of a legislative committee. University law clinics offer legal services often to low income individuals and communities seeking redress against industry and government. LEAN is Tulane Environmental Law Clinic's oldest and most-represented client, according to the group.