Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation sued insurance companies over coverage for work on natural gas transmission pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico. The court ruled that Louisiana's Oilfield Anti-Indemnity Act only protects workers on oil, gas, or water wells—not on pipeline transportation infrastructure. This means indemnification clauses in pipeline contracts are not automatically void under Louisiana law, even though they would be prohibited for well-related work.
The Louisiana Oilfield Anti-Indemnity Act does not protect subcontractors working on natural gas transmission pipelines or transportation infrastructure—only on wells.
Broad indemnification clauses in pipeline contracts may be enforceable in Louisiana, so review your contract terms carefully before signing.
If you work on well drilling, completion, or exploration, you have stronger legal protection against indemnity clauses than if you work on pipeline transportation.