Overview
- The justices heard arguments on whether World War II–era government contracts allow Chevron and others to remove parish lawsuits over coastal erosion from Louisiana state courts to federal court.
- Chevron’s lawyer Paul Clement argued crude production was closely tied to wartime aviation fuel contracts, while justices pressed on how broadly “related to” federal duties can be read.
- Louisiana officials countered that the claims center on post‑1980 state permitting violations and that state courts are best positioned to interpret the coastal management statute.
- More than 40 parish suits are pending, and a Plaquemines Parish jury’s roughly $744–$745 million verdict against Chevron could be imperiled if the case moves to federal court.
- With Justice Alito recused, a 4–4 split is possible that would leave lower-court rulings keeping the cases in state court, and a decision is expected by the end of June.