Gov. Jindal Signs Bill to Kill Levee Board Oil Lawsuit

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed a bill aimed at killing a Louisiana levee board's lawsuit against 97 oil and gas companies, despite warnings from legal experts that it could also affect state and local government litigation over the 2010 BP oil spill.

Jindal announced the signing in a midday press release Friday.

The levee board suit, now in federal court, says drilling and dredging by oil, gas and pipeline companies are partially to blame for the degradation of coastal wetlands that serve as a natural hurricane buffer for New Orleans.

The bill by Sen. Bret Allain would retroactively scuttle the lawsuit. Opponents say it will likely be challenged in court.

Jindal and his top lawyer say they do not believe the suit would affect state and local BP litigation.