WASHINGTON, D.C.—Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, issued the following statement urging passage of House Bill 618 that would limit abusive lawsuits against oil and gas drillers in Louisiana.

“With American families suffering every day from record-high gas prices, it is essential for policymakers, at all levels of government, to remove barriers to domestic energy production. Unfortunately, abusive lawsuits orchestrated by a small number of plaintiffs’ lawyers are harming oil and gas production in Louisiana, eliminating jobs, and contributing to higher energy prices nationwide.

“The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform is proud to support this legislation, which will eliminate loopholes in current Louisiana law that allow these abusive lawsuits. We urge the Louisiana House to pass HB 618, because easing pain at the pump must go before trial lawyer profits.”

ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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