Chouest, President and CEO of Edison Chouest Offshore and Gonsoulin, Chairman and CEO of PHI Inc., took out a full page letter ad in the Times Picayune of 4/12/15 titled, "An important message to our community." Both gentlemen have followed in the foot steps of so many Louisiana elected officials that have taken sides with BP over the Macondo well blow out and massive oil spill.
The authors are miffed because some claims are still coming in for damages despite the Billions already paid out by BP. They also remind the reader the contribution BP has and continues to make to Louisiana and its workers, and are silent on what Louisiana has to offer BP and the industry in general. Its like the state and its people should be thankful BP is here and move away from the damage caused by their negligent acts.
The fact remains that the court will assess the final damage just like they approved the money BP put up to pay claims made by property owners, business and others that were harmed. BP has the means to defend themselves in a court of law and that is what they have been doing. Those who work in the industry should allow this sad story to play out instead of trying to influence the people to think the final settlement will drive BP and the industry out of Louisiana. They are here to stay because Louisiana has something they want badly. And they could have avoided all of this by operating safely.
According to the latest reports, the people and property affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill are still experiencing problems and that spill occured over 20 years ago. The courts and everyone concerned with the BP spill should keep that in mind. What else should be kept in mind is the fact that BP and its lawers had their day in court and the court found BP negligent.
This commentary swritten by Joe Lorio
