William Barr warns against Louisiana's costly lawsuits against oil companies
- Former Attorney General William Barr wrote a letter warning Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill about the consequences of lawsuits against oil companies.
- The lawsuits target energy firms for alleged environmental damage and seek billions in damages, with backing from Governor Jeff Landry.
- Barr concluded that these lawsuits could severely impact Louisiana's energy production and economic stability.
On April 10, 2025, former U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr sent a letter to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill expressing strong concerns regarding the state's ongoing litigation against major oil companies, specifically citing Chevron. The lawsuits, initiated by local parishes and prominent plaintiff's lawyers, seek to hold oil businesses accountable for environmental damages linked to land loss, threatening to reach tens of billions of dollars in claims. Barr's communication was influenced by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry's support for these legal actions, which Barr claims are misguided and contrary to existing law. In his letter, Barr pointed to a recent court ruling that found Chevron liable for damages due to actions taken by Texaco, a predecessor company. This ruling, which involved a staggering $745 million verdict against Chevron, is being challenged by the company on grounds of legal errors and the applicability of certain laws. Barr emphasized that the state appears to be ceding control of litigation to private attorneys, which he views as detrimental to Louisiana's economy and energy production prospects. Furthermore, Barr highlighted the significant potential economic repercussions of these lawsuits, warning that they could jeopardize critical liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in the area and discourage new energy investments. He raised serious concerns over the legal basis of the claims, particularly the argument that damages related to pre-1980 environmental impacts could be addressed under laws that do not retroactively apply. Barr noted that this legal strategy could infringe on constitutional rights. The former Attorney General's stance is reinforced by several organizations, including the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce and the United States Energy Association, which share his apprehension about the impact of this extensive litigation on the overall energy sector. Barr ultimately concluded that the continued pursuit of these lawsuits could undermine efforts to re-establish American energy dominance, a key priority of the Trump administration, under which he served.