Federal Order Pauses Lawsuits Over Venture Global LNG Construction Damage

A federal judge has temporarily halted several state lawsuits against Venture Global LNG over the construction of its $30 billion CP2 liquefied natural gas terminal in Cameron Parish. The lawsuits allege that construction activities, including a sediment spill in August 2025, have harmed local oyster farms and fishing industries. Key plaintiffs include Pig and Rooster Oyster Farm, which claims the spill damaged 5.3 million oysters, and KCM Farms, which reported losses of 5.5 million oysters and $1.5 million in infrastructure.

The halt was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Cain in response to a petition filed by Callan Marine, Venture Global’s dredging contractor. Callan is seeking to limit its financial liability to $60 million under the 1851 Limitation of Liability Act. The stay also pauses sediment testing that could link the spill to the environmental damage, a move that plaintiffs argue could complicate efforts to document the harm.

David Sorrells, owner of Pig and Rooster Oyster Farm, expressed concern that delays in testing could undermine efforts to hold responsible parties accountable. Cooper Fournet, attorney for the plaintiffs, noted that the stay forces his clients to file claims in federal court, complicating their legal strategy. Fournet also worries that if Callan’s liability is capped, Venture Global could claim a significant portion of the damages for spill remediation and legal fees.

The lawsuits also name the Cameron Port as a defendant due to its role in permitting the dredging project. Despite the federal stay, plaintiffs retain the option to pursue damages against Venture Global and other defendants in state courts once the stay is lifted, which is expected in January 2027.