Federal Judge Halts Lawsuits Over LNG Construction's Impact on Louisiana Seafood Industry
A federal judge has temporarily halted several state lawsuits against Venture Global, the company behind a $30 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal under construction in Cameron Parish. The lawsuits allege that construction is damaging estuaries, killing oysters, and negatively impacting seafood catches. The stay was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Cain, who is presiding over a related case. The pause includes testing of mud around the CP2 site, which is crucial for a state court case filed by Pig and Rooster Oyster Farm. The farm claims that a sediment spill in August 2025 killed or damaged 5.3 million of their oysters. Other plaintiffs, including KCM Farms and a group of 20 commercial fishers, are also affected by the stay.
The sediment spill occurred when Callan Marine, a contractor hired by Venture Global, was dredging to enlarge shipping channels. Thousands of cubic yards of sediment were spilled into the channel near Calcasieu Lake, burying 13 million oysters worth up to $13 million. The spill exacerbated existing problems caused by sediment storage in Cameron Wildlife Refuge, which has been harming local seafood breeding grounds.
David Sorrells, owner of Pig and Rooster Oyster Farm, expressed concern that delaying inspections and testing could make it harder to document the damage. Cooper Fournet, attorney for the plaintiffs, noted that the stay will likely be in place until January 2027. Callan Marine has filed a federal petition seeking to limit its financial responsibility to $60 million under the 1851 Limitation of Liability Act. Fournet worries that Venture Global could claim a significant portion of the damages, leaving less for other claimants.
Despite the stay, Fournet plans to file a motion requesting clarification so he can continue collecting discovery related to the other defendants. The legal complexities and delays have frustrated plaintiffs, who are seeking damages for lost catch, equipment, and infrastructure.