Chevron Seeks Federal Review of $744M Coastal Damage Verdict

Chevron is seeking to nullify a $744.6 million verdict handed down by a Louisiana jury over claims of coastal damage caused by its offshore oil rig in the Gulf of America.

The lawsuit, which dates back decades, alleges that Chevron's predecessor dumped billions of gallons of wastewater into Louisiana marshes during oil production.

Chevron attorney Paul Clement argued that the case should be moved to federal court, citing a recent unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling that makes it 'obvious' that the Plaquemines case belongs in federal court due to its connection to federal wartime work during World War II.

Louisiana disagrees, arguing that Chevron waived its right to demand a federal trial by participating fully in the state case and that only a federal trial judge can decide whether Chevron has a legitimate federal defense.