"The regional levee authority overseeing East Bank flood protection will file a lawsuit Wednesday against dozens of oil, gas and pipeline companies aimed at forcing them to repair damage to a buffer zone of wetlands and ridges 'that helps protect the greater New Orleans region from catastrophic flooding,' according to a press release from the agency."
"Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East officials would not publicly comment Tuesday on what could be a historic lawsuit that, if successful, would require the energy companies to fill in canals and restore wetlands and other land features that scientists say help reduce the size of storm surges caused by hurricanes.
Activities related to oil and gas exploration -- including dredging and the cutting of canals through the wetlands -- has long been blamed for contributing to the loss of land along the Louisiana coast and making the area more vulnerable to flooding during hurricanes."
Mark Schleifstein reports for the New Orleans Times-Picayune July 23, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"Louisiana Agency to Sue Energy Companies for Wetland Damage" (New York Times)
"Suit Seeks Damages From Oil Companies for Coastal Erosion" (Baton Rouge Advocate)
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