Oil, Gas Companies Granted Redo in Louisiana Coastal Lawsuits

Chevron USA, Exxon Mobil Corp., and others will get another chance at moving lawsuits by Louisiana parishes seeking billions for coastal damages to federal courts after the Fifth Circuit ruled Thursday that their removal was timely.

The companies argued a report submitted by the parishes in 2018 clearly showed they are suing based on actions taken during World War II, when the companies were acting under the federal government’s authority. This made their case removable under the federal-officer statute, the companies said.

The parishes disagreed, saying their petitions already told the companies everything they needed to know. The ...