Court declines to hear O&G appeals

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear oil companies' appeal of a ruling in a high-stakes lawsuit over Gulf coast damages, which may open the way for the case to move forward in state court. The decision adds to December and October decisions by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that sent the damages suit, filed against Chevron USA, Exxon Mobil Corp., ConocoPhillips Co., BP America and Shell, back to the 25th Judicial District Court in Plaquemines Parish, which filed the lawsuit. The court's decision adds expectations that the 5th Circuit rulings will clear the way for 42 other lawsuits filed in Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. John the Baptist, Vermilion and Cameron parishes between 2012-17 against a total of about 200 O&G companies to begin being heard in state courts. (NOLA.com 02/28/23) Supreme Court won't halt moving energy suits to state courts | Environment | nola.com