Chevron, Exxon Mobil to Defend WWII Well Claims in Louisiana

Chevron USA Inc., Exxon Mobil Corp., and ConocoPhillips Co. will have to defend claims related to their use of WWI-era wells in Louisiana state court after the Fifth Circuit found they waited too long to move the claims to federal court.

The Parishes of Plaquemines and Cameron allege that the companies’ continued use of the wells and canals violates the Louisiana State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act of 1978, either because they lack a permit for that use, or because the companies’ use violates a permit.

The companies sought to move the claims based on the federal ...