On Wednesday morning, the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East filed an historic lawsuit demanding oil, gas and pipeline companies restore damaged wetlands and pay for weakened natural levee systems created by those wetlands. Jindal issued a response just hours later, stating the levee board had no authority to file the suit without his approval and calling it a "hijacking"...
On Wednesday morning, the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East filed an historic lawsuit demanding oil, gas and pipeline companies restore damaged wetlands and pay for weakened natural levee systems created by those wetlands.
Jindal issued a response just hours later, stating the levee board had no authority to file the suit without his approval and calling it a "hijacking" of the issue by trial lawyers "who see dollar signs in their future and who are taking advantage of people who want to restore Louisiana's coast."
State lawmakers from New Orleans and coastal districts weighed in on the legal challenge Thursday. Here are their reactions:
State Rep. Sam Jones, D-Franklin:
"(The suit) has the potential to virtually shut down the oil and gas exploration and production industry. We just can't do that."
"If the situation ends up being an attention-getter and forces some comprehensive action, in the boundaries of what's affordable without destroying the industry, I'd like to have that conversation."
State Rep. Walt Leger, D-New Orleans:
"I was very surprised with the governor's response. It didn't really make a lot of sense to me."
"Ultimately, if there is a legitimate claim here that exists, there is an obligation by the public body to pursue that claim on behalf of the people."
State Rep. Chris Leopold, R-Belle Chasse:
"I would have to say that agree with (the governor's) response."
"I don't think the lawsuit on its merits is very fair because it only goes after one user group."
"If a governing body has a true interest in correcting a situation or making something whole then you'd think of collaborating with others in the same line of work."
State Sen. J.P. Morrell, D-New Orleans:
"It'll be interesting to see how the suit unfolds. I think when you look at the tremendous amount of money and challenges that that levee board is facing in regards to Corps of Engineers projects...the ongoing costs dwarf what they collect in millage fees."
"I don't think this board took what they were doing lightly and whatever money the lawyers would serve to make from it, I don't think it would offset the amount of bad will they've received from the governor for filing the suit."
State Sen. Conrad Appel, R-Metairie:
"I don't understand why a levee district would hire trial lawyers when we have an attorney general to handle cases."
"That being said, if it is determined that there were obligations under these leases where the pipeline companies were obligated to remediate the marsh, or the canals...then it's something we should definitely look into."
State Sen. A.G. Crowe, R-Slidell:
"I'm concerned about the timing and how it might jeopardize the other initiatives that we're working on regarding funding to rebuild our coasts."
"It could have an adverse effect on our ability to get the funding for our long-term sustainability for our coats. And I hope there will be an immediate meeting of the minds to work together with all of the state and federal agencies to approach this situation in unison."
State Sen. Norby Chabert, R-Houma:
"I find it hard to hold probably some of those, or a majority of those, companies responsible for actions that occurred 60, 70 years ago."
"I would anticipate a filing of some legislation before the next legislation. (Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President) Don Briggs will use this as another springboard (to bring up) legacy lawsuit issues."