Chevron Backs Removal of Benzene Suit, Says Plaintiff Alleges Exposure on OCSLA Sites

NEW ORLEANS –– Chevron U.S.A. Inc. has opposed a motion to remand filed in a benzene case, arguing that the plaintiffs did not need to expressly invoke the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in order for OCSLA jurisdiction to exist.

In its May 24 opposition brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Chevron maintained that the sites identified by the plaintiffs as ones at which Ryan Eschete was allegedly exposed to benzene are “potential OCSLA” sites.

The plaintiffs filed their complaint on March 29 in the Louisiana 25th Judicial District Court for the …