Judge Dismisses Jefferson Suit Against Oil Companies

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A state judge in Jefferson Parish has dismissed the parish's lawsuit against oil companies accused of damaging coastal wetlands.

Jefferson is among coastal parishes making such claims in state courts. Judge Stephen Enright's decision, dated Aug. 1 and made public Tuesday, says the parish lawsuit was premature and that the parish must first seek remedies through state regulatory agencies.

An attorney who filed suit for the parishes did not immediately return a call for comment. Oil industry supporters hailed the decision.

Similar suits have been filed in Plaquemines, Cameron and Vermilion parishes.