Ok, so let’s give this blog a little more edge. I’m quite happy with the media service LinkedIn is providing because one gets a little bit more than what you expect in regular news. I had quite a few articles on Chevron and its leases on Romanian soil for exploration of shale gas resources being interested both in the environmental aspect but also on the lack of public debate.
Chevron’s activity produced quite an upheaval in Romania mainly because the superficial public debate was politically tainted being also part of a parliamentarian motion of no confidence and later on part of the Government programme of action.
The plaintiffs pulled actress Darryl Hannah into the fight against Chevron. AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa
According to Quartz.com, Chevron had lost a lawsuit battle in Ecuador against the Lago Agrio plaintiffs (LAP) who claimed that Texaco (bought by Chevron in 2001) had allegedly polluted the Amazon rain forest. The plaintiffs won the gruesome battle in 2011 with a $19 billion judgment.
Chevron vs. Patton Boggs / Credit: http://qz.com/
Now of course, Chevron is filing suit against Patton Boggs, the law firm representing the plaintiffs thus seeking to prove that the environmental expertise produced by Patton Boggs has been forged or ghostwritten and misrepresents the reality. Basically, it will be about who has the best lawyers in town. Since the involved lawyers started to withdraw and repudiate their work, this sounds like a life and death pollution court trial.
Oh, I do hope Romania thinks about people and environment protection before engaging on risky shale gas wonders!
There are a lot of people in the USA who feel the judgment in Ecuador was rigged and political. Chevron’s allegations could turn out to be true. Chevron probably isn’t as pure as snow, but $19 billion sounds a little high.
Thanks Ron! I managed to read a bit into the filed document and also about lawyers withdrawing from the plaintiffs, that’s why I kept the post under the alleged/claimed tone, but I shall follow on the subject.
By definition Chevron’s claim in the suit is alleged until they prove it.
Right! Apparently it’s not their only suit targeting defendant lawyers in the same Lago Agrio ruling.
Ok, can we just go on and call it? Big oil. Big banks. Big trouble. The End.
And big suit 🙂