A civil jury has ordered Chevron to pay over $744 million in damages for destroying parts of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. The verdict, which comes after 12 years of litigation, marks the conclusion of the first trial among 42 lawsuits filed against the company’s oil and gas projects. The case alleged that Chevron’s operations led to the degradation of the region’s wetlands, including the destruction of habitats crucial for protecting against hurricanes.
The jury found Chevron’s predecessor, Texaco, violated state regulations by contributing to coastal erosion through dredging canals, drilling wells, and dumping wastewater into the marsh. The company’s actions resulted in a net loss of approximately 4,833 square kilometers of land area between 1932 and 2016, reducing the region’s wetland area by about 25%.
Chevron plans to appeal the verdict, with their attorney stating that the law does not apply to conduct occurring decades before it was enacted. However, the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority warns that Louisiana could lose up to another 3,000 square miles in the next 50 years if no action is taken.
The ruling has significant implications for other companies facing similar lawsuits. As Louisiana’s coastal wetlands are among the most critically endangered environments in the US, this verdict highlights the need for stricter regulations and environmental protection measures.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/04/chevron-louisiana-wetlands-damages-lawsuit