Judge: Oil Co. Lawsuit Bill Unconstitutional

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A state judge in Baton Rouge has declared unconstitutional a state law aimed at killing a lawsuit filed by a south Louisiana levee board against oil and gas companies.

Judge Janice Clark's ruling was released Friday evening.

Gov. Bobby Jindal and other opponents of the suit pushed the law through the 2014 Legislature. But Clark said the law was unconstitutional for a variety of reasons.

Jindal's office said it expects Clark's ruling to be overturned on appeal.

Her ruling came a day after two small players in the suit, settled with the flood board.

Backers of the suit say the settlement, which includes a $50,000 payment, is of little significance in a case that could mean billions in damage claims. The suit centers on oil industry damage to Louisiana's coast.