The day of reckoning: The Supreme Court will soon decide if oil companies have to pay for damage to the LA coast. 

In this episode of Behind The Lens, host Carolyne Heldman speaks with investigative reporter Emily Sanders to unpack decades of coastal damage linked to oil and gas activity, and the growing question of accountability.

In this episode of Behind The Lens, we examine a landmark case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court that could reshape the future of Louisiana’s coastline and the oil industry’s responsibility for environmental damage.

Host Carolyne Heldman sits down with investigative reporter Emily Sanders of ExxonKnews to break down what’s at stake. Decades of oil and gas activity have contributed to severe coastal erosion across Louisiana, threatening communities, ecosystems, and critical infrastructure. Now, the question is simple—but the implications are massive: Should oil companies be held financially accountable?

This episode explores the legal battle, the science behind the damage, and the potential ripple effects of the Court’s decision—not just for Louisiana, but for environmental accountability nationwide.

Listen in for a clear, compelling look at a case that could define the future of the Gulf Coast.

News clips from FOX10News and Louisiana Public Broadcasting. 

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music by “Trailways_A”. 

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Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman has been in media for 35 years, most recently as Executive Director at an NPR member station in Colorado where she was responsible for new multi-platform content initiatives, strategic planning, research, branding, and non-traditional revenue generation. During her tenure she also created and launched four weekly news, public affairs and cultural affairs programs and monthly live Town Hall broadcasts. Heldman moved to New Orleans last summer with her husband and canine companion and they live happily in The Marigny.