Two Truths and a Coastline: Chevron's Verdict, Seen Both Ways
Chevron’s verdict might be a turning point—or just another delay in a long line of them. One writer sees it as too little, too late. Another sees the start of something real.
A Half-Verdict on Our Dying Coast
By Alexis Romero
So, Chevron’s been ordered to pay $744.6 million for tearing up wetlands in Plaquemines Parish. That’s something, right? But let’s be real—this is just the beginning, and we’ve already lost so much ground.
They’re supposed to use $575 million for land loss, $161 million for cleaning up toxic messes, and another chunk for hauling off old junk. Once interest kicks in, it might go over $1.1 billion. Still, it’s not the $2.6 billion people were hoping for.
And Chevron’s already filing an appeal, which means more waiting. Meanwhile, Louisiana keeps sinking. We’ve lost over 2,000 square miles of coast already. That’s not some abstract number—land is just gone. Every hour, we lose another football field’s worth.
Yeah, the verdict sounds big. But verdicts don’t build land back. We need people on the ground, money actually moving, and fewer delays. The truth is, this can’t be where we stop and pat ourselves on the back. It’s a start. A slow, shaky one.
Finally, Accountability—and Hope—for Louisiana’s Coast
By Jordan LeBlanc
Well, it finally happened. A jury told Chevron to pay up—$744.6 million—for the damage they caused to our coastal marshes. It’s the first time in a long while that someone actually held one of these big companies accountable.
They’ll put $575 million toward rebuilding the land, $161 million toward cleaning up pollution, and some to remove all the leftover junk they walked away from. It’s not perfect, but it’s a real chunk of money aimed at fixing what’s broken.
With other projects already going—like sediment diversions and oyster reefs—this could really push things in the right direction. And with over 40 more lawsuits waiting in line, maybe this verdict lights a fire under more companies to step up.
Sure, Chevron’s appealing, but that’s not surprising. What matters is the direction. For once, it feels like the tide is turning—like people are tired of watching the coast disappear without a fight.
If we keep the pressure on and stay focused, this might be the beginning of something better. Let’s make sure it is.
Further Reading
- Chevron Verdict Coverage:
- Background on Louisiana’s Coastal Crisis:
- Ongoing Restoration Efforts: