Client Alert
Recent Developments: Chevron-Ecuador Dispute
April 04, 2011
James E. Berger & Charlene C. Sun
Two notable decisions were issued this month in the long-standing litigation campaign between Chevron Corporation, a group of Ecuadorian plaintiffs alleging environmental injuries from oil exploration and production activities in Ecuador, and the Republic of Ecuador. The decisions, summarized below, touch on several critical issues that arise predominantly in international litigation.
Chevrons epic legal battle with Ecuador concerning the environmental consequences of Texacos prior activities in that nation has been well-chronicled; it has been the subject of a feature-length film, several books, and a great deal of written commentary. While a full description of the case is beyond the scope of this update, some background is in order.