Latest Mississippi River Delta News: Nov. 22, 2013

11.22.2013 | In Latest News, Uncategorized

BP asks 5th circ. to force judge to stop Deepwater claims
By Kurt Orzeck, Law 360. Nov. 21, 2013.
“BP Exploration & Production Inc. asked the Fifth Circuit on Thursday to force a Louisiana federal judge to stop payments in the oil giant’s estimated $9.2 billion settlement of multidistrict litigation stemming from the 2010 Deepwater oil spill, arguing that some claims could be fictitious…” (read more)

Coastal agency asks attorney general to rescind approval of lawyer who sued oil and gas companies
By Bob Marshall, The Lens (New Orleans, La.). Nov. 21, 2013.
“The state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority sent a letter to Attorney General Buddy Caldwell on Wednesday asking him to rescind his office’s approval to hire an outside lawyer to sue oil and gas companies for coastal erosion…” (read more)

East bank levee authority asks legislative auditor to review attorney contract for wetlands damage suit against energy companies (+Video)
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). Nov. 21, 2013.
“The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East reluctantly voted to ask the state’s legislative auditor to review a controversial contract the authority signed with attorneys to file a suit demanding 97 oil, gas and pipeline companies repair their damage of wetlands or pay the authority for wetlands that can’t be repaired…” (read more)

Levee authority will put off vote on whether to continue wetlands damage suit against energy companies
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). Nov. 21, 2013.
“The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East will delay a planned vote on whether to continue with a lawsuit against 97 oil, gas and energy companies until the state Ethics Commission reviews whether new authority member Lambert “Joe” Hassinger Jr. can vote on the measure…” (read more)

Vitter optimistic about WRDA conference
By Dredging News Online. Nov. 21, 2013.
“US Senator David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee and a member of the Conference Committee to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), made the following statement today as the conference committee convened…” (read more)

Critics say Jindal levee board appointee should recuse himself from energy lawsuit (+Video)
By Pat Murphy, WWL TV (New Orleans, La.). Nov. 19, 2013.
“There could be a possible showdown at this week’s meeting of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East (SLFPA-E) over the board’s lawsuit, accusing 97 oil, gas and pipeline companies of contributing to coastal erosion…” (read more)

As lawsuits proliferate, will Big Oil join in a ‘grand bargain’ to save the coast?
By Mark Moseley, Opinion, The Lens (New Orleans, La.). Nov. 21, 2013.
“The political commentariat thinks Big Oil might cut a deal. Environmental lawsuits filed by levee boards and parishes might force oil and gas firms to the negotiating table, according to columnist James Gill…” (read more)