Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Chevron USA v. Plaquemines Parish Coastal Damage Case

On January 12, 2026, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Chevron USA Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish, a case centering on whether Louisiana's coastal damage lawsuit against oil companies — filed by a local parish — must be heard in state or federal court. A 2025 Louisiana jury had ordered Chevron to pay $740 million for violating state environmental regulations that caused wetlands damage. Chevron argued it was "acting under" federal contracts during WWII-era refining, giving it the right to federal forum. Louisiana countered that Chevron's federal connection was too attenuated. The Court ruled 8-0 in April 2026 in Chevron's favor.