On December 1, 2014, Judge Zainey of the Eastern District of Louisiana issued an Order returning a case involving numerous oil and gas companies back to state court. The Parish of Plaquemines originally filed suit in Louisiana state court on its behalf and on behalf of the State of Louisiana. The Parish sued nineteen (19) oil and gas companies, alleging that oil and gas exploration, production and transportation operations were conducted in violation of Louisiana state law, including the State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act of 1978, La. R.S. §§49:214.21, et seq. (commonly referred to as “the CZM laws”). The Parish sought damages including restoration and remediation costs. Continue reading >