Editor’s Note: A guest post by Randy Hayden, president of Louisianans For Energy, which has been a key supporter of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline.

The Bayou Bridge Pipeline has been fully operational for more than three months – safely transporting crude oil 160 miles across the southern part of our state. In addition to helping meet the energy needs of Louisianians, the pipeline provides a strong economic boost with jobs and new streams of tax revenue.

Despite the pipeline’s completion and safe operation, environmental activists continue to do whatever it takes to undermine the project. Opponents’ vigilante tactics did not succeed in stopping the project’s completion, so they’ve moved on to the courts. In the latest legal action, activist group Atchafalaya Basinkeeper has called for the pipeline to be shut down, alleging the US Army Corps of Engineers did not perform a rigorous review before granting the necessary permits.

Similar to the previous claims – the latest allegations are rooted in ideological opposition rather than fact. The pipeline was thoroughly reviewed by local, state, and federal regulators before construction began. Activists have already had multiple opportunities to make their case – from the public comment period to a series of previous legal challenges that have proven futile.

It’s time to face the facts: pipelines are the safest and most environmentally-conscious method of transporting energy products. They quietly operate 365 days a year to ensure our energy needs are met. Bayou Bridge is no exception.

We support rigorous review of the facts and environmentally safe and sound transportation practices for all aspects of the oil and gas industry.  But when all of the legal criteria has been met (and often exceeded), it’s time to let the project move forward.  Lawsuits like these do nothing more than make money for a handful of lawyers (on all sides!) while costing every consumer in the state.