Coastal

Reviving Roots: How an Age-Old Law May Transform the Future of America’s Coastal Shores

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MALIBU, California — An age-old legal principle linked to public access to beachfronts may soon influence the future of coastal management across the United States. As rising sea levels and climate change threaten shorelines, the debate over beach accessibility has rekindled discussions about a law rooted in ancient traditions. The doctrine, known as the Public Trust Doctrine, has its origins in Roman law and implies that certain natural resources, including navigable waters and the land beneath them, are preserved for public use. Historically, it has served to safeguard access to beaches, a principle viewed as … Read more

Hawaii’s Marine Patrol Units Launch Coastal Initiative to Protect Ocean Ecosystems and Promote Awareness

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Honolulu, Hawaii — Marine patrol units from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) are actively monitoring the waters surrounding Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai. These patrols oversee approximately 700 miles of coastline, enforcing regulations from the high-water mark of beaches to three miles offshore, according to Jason Redulla, chief of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE). DOCARE officers play a critical role in safeguarding Hawaii’s natural resources, focusing on education as much as enforcement. Errol Kane, the lead officer for Oahu’s marine patrol, emphasized the need for a continued … Read more

Louisiana Jury Orders Chevron to Fork Out $745 Million for Coastal Environmental Harm

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Baton Rouge, LA — A federal jury in Louisiana has handed down a significant ruling against Chevron Corp., ordering the oil giant to pay $745 million for environmental damage to the state’s coastal regions. This verdict arrived after a prolonged legal battle spotlighting the broader issue of industrial impact on delicate ecosystems. Experts indicate that the legal decision could set a precedent for future environmental litigation involving major corporations. The lawsuit, initiated by the state of Louisiana, accused Chevron of long-term damage to coastal areas, crucial not only to environmental sustainability but also to the … Read more

Louisiana Jury Orders Chevron to Pay $740 Million for Coastal Environment Damage

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Baton Rouge, LA — In a landmark decision, a Louisiana jury has ordered Chevron to pay $740 million in damages for their role in coastal erosion and other environmental impacts. This ruling, handed down on Tuesday, marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle between energy companies and environmental preservation efforts in the state. The verdict comes after extensive deliberations following a lawsuit that claimed Chevron’s operations, including decades of oil and gas drilling, significantly contributed to the degradation of Louisiana’s coastal regions. These areas serve not only as critical natural barriers against hurricanes but … Read more