LLAW Statement Regarding U.S. Supreme Court’s Refusal to Revive Levee Board Lawsuit

BATON ROUGE, LA (Oct. 30, 2017) – Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch Executive Director Melissa Landry issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to revive the lawsuit filed by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority – East (SLFPA-E): 

“Louisianans are being sold a dangerous bill of goods by those who promise that lawsuits provide a viable solution to addressing coastal erosion, rising sea levels and other environmental challenges associated with global climate change.” 

“For years, trial lawyers, environmental extremists and politicians have relentlessly sought to use and abuse courtrooms around the country to shakedown energy producers. Fortunately, our courts have said no over and over, and today the U.S. Supreme Court said no yet again.” 

“I am hopeful this decision will send a clear message to Gov. John Bel Edwards and the other key players behind these unnecessary lawsuits that the legal shakedown approach to resolving complex and multi-faceted environmental challenges is a waste of time and money. 

“These fruitless legal battles have generated a ton of headlines and a mountain of legal fees for the lawyers, but not much else for Louisianans, many of whom are paying more taxes than ever before and struggling to find jobs due to Louisiana’s toxic business and legal climate. We expect and we deserve more. These tough times require responsible leadership, not reckless lawsuits.” 

A copy of the U.S. Supreme Court decision can be found here. 

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Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch is a high-impact watchdog group dedicated to fixing Louisiana’s broken legal system through transparency, accountability and lawsuit reform. Learn more at llaw.org.