Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer Available for Media Interviews on Louisiana Coastal Litigation & U.S. Supreme Court Oral Arguments 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: sydney@pelicaninstitute.org
January 9, 2026

New Orleans, LA— As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments Monday in Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish, the Pelican Institute for Public Policy is making its CEO, Daniel Erspamer, and General Counsel, Sarah Harbison, available to reporters for on camera interviews, background briefings and expert analysis throughout the week. 

Mr. Erspamer and Mrs. Harbison can provide fact-based context on the Louisiana coastal litigation and explain why this case carries significant implications for the rule of law, federal jurisdiction, energy investment, and Louisiana’s long-term economic competitiveness. They are available all week by phone, email, or Zoom, and in person from studios in New Orleans and Washington, DC. 

The Pelican Institute will also provide live analysis and real-time commentary during the hearing on X @pelicaninst

BACKGROUND

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the morning of January 12, 2026, in Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish, a case arising from dozens of lawsuits filed by private trial lawyers on behalf of Louisiana coastal parishes against energy companies. Official live audio from the hearing will be available here. The suits seek massive damages for alleged coastal erosion tied in part to oil and gas activities dating back to the 1940s and World War II, when companies operated under direct federal direction to support the Allied war effort.

Despite a longstanding federal law designed to ensure such cases are heard in neutral federal courts, plaintiffs have kept the litigation in Louisiana state courts by advancing novel legal theories and relying on a joint-prosecution agreement that restricts the state’s ability to support defendants’ arguments. One case has already resulted in a $745 million verdict, with more than 40 additional cases pending.

As detailed in a recent Wall Street Journal columnhere, the litigation has created deep legal uncertainty, driven investment out of Louisiana, and raised serious questions about impartiality, federal jurisdiction, and the rule of law. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for energy investment, economic competitiveness, and national energy security.

An 2025 economic impact analysis on the coastal lawsuits published by the Pelican Institute estimates that since 2009, Louisiana’s offshore reserves declined 42% and production dropped 56%, while federal offshore output grew over the same time period. Energy sector employment has fallen by 37%, and since 2014, the state has lost $1.1 billion in wages and $70 million in foregone tax revenue. 

The Pelican Institute has additional resources available:

• Fact Sheet:
  Lawsuits Continue to Undermine Louisiana’s Economy
• Articles & Commentary:
  Advocates warn Louisiana’s coastal lawsuits are costing billions
  Supreme Court has a chance to deliver victory for American energy workers
• Video:
  Daniel Erspamer Interview with Kevin Cirilli

For more information about the coastal lawsuits or to arrange an interview, contact Sydney Petite at (504) 717-1606 or sydney@pelicaninstitute.org.

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 The Pelican Institute for Public Policy is a non-profit, non-partisan research institute whose mission is to research and develop policy solutions that advance individual liberty, free enterprise, and opportunity for all Louisianans. Founded in 2008, the Pelican Institute believes every Louisianan should have the opportunity to flourish in communities where good opportunities abound and economic prosperity is achievable through hard work and ingenuity. In this capacity, Pelican has conducted extensive research on Louisiana’s coastal litigation. Learn more about Pelican at pelicanpolicy.org.