HB 429 adds theft or unauthorized entry of oil and gas facilities - including drilling, production, transportation, and storage equipment - as a specific act that qualifies as terrorism under Louisiana law. It directly affects individuals who steal or trespass at these facilities by making such acts punishable as terrorism, not just theft. The bill defines "critical infrastructure" to explicitly include oil and gas operations and sets a minimum 20-year prison sentence for terrorism convictions involving these facilities. This amendment changes the legal classification of such crimes, increasing penalties for offenses previously treated as theft.
This bill asks the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to create a plan for better collecting, keeping, and sharing the state's underground data, such as well logs and rock samples. The agencies must submit a detailed report by March 1, 2027, to the legislature, outlining what data they currently have, how they are modernizing their systems, and what resources they need to improve access. This information is intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions about future investments in energy, environmental protection, and scientific research. The resolution does not change any laws immediately but sets a deadline for these agencies to study the issue and propose solutions.
This resolution formally recognizes geothermal energy as a strategic opportunity for Louisiana, leveraging the state's existing oil and gas expertise to develop this resource. It highlights how the state's workforce, deep well inventory, and infrastructure can support geothermal projects for electricity, industrial heat, and cooling while enhancing energy security. The bill urges state agencies to address current legal and regulatory barriers to make geothermal projects easier to permit, finance, and replicate. While it does not change specific laws immediately, it establishes a policy commitment to create the enabling framework needed for future geothermal development.
This resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy to examine its rules on hiding proposed well site locations from the public. It specifically targets Class VI permits, which are used for carbon dioxide storage, noting that applicants sometimes claim these locations are trade secrets. The bill highlights that keeping sites secret prevents neighbors and interested groups from participating in required public hearings and comments. As a result, the department is urged to review current laws and applicant practices to ensure well locations are made public before permits are issued. The agency must submit a written report with findings and recommendations to the House Committee by March 1, 2027.
SB 251 establishes the "Louisiana Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2026" to safeguard critical infrastructure - including gas/oil systems, water delivery, telecommunications, power grids, emergency services, and transportation systems - from foreign adversaries. The bill prohibits companies and government entities from entering agreements that allow foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations) to access or control critical infrastructure, and bans the use of adversary cameras and laser sensors in Louisiana transportation systems. Companies must certify their access, conduct background checks on employees with infrastructure access, store data outside foreign adversary countries, and report cyber incidents to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, with exceptions only for unavoidable needs approved by that office. This directly affects businesses and government agencies operating critical infrastructure in Louisiana.
HB 637 adjusts oilfield site restoration fees for certain low-production wells in Louisiana. It sets reduced fees at 50% for oil from incapable wells, 25% for oil from stripper wells, 40% for gas from low-pressure wells, and 17.5% for gas from incapable gas wells - proportionally aligning with existing reduced severance tax rates. The bill directly affects oil and gas producers operating these specific well types, as defined under Louisiana law (R.S. 47:633). The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 670 designates wood pellet manufacturing as a priority industry in Louisiana, targeting manufacturers that produce compressed biomass pellets from forestry residues for export or domestic use. The bill requires Louisiana Economic Development to create job incentives, workforce training programs, and prioritize wood pellet cargo at state ports while streamlining permitting for facilities. It directly affects wood pellet manufacturers, rural communities seeking new jobs, and the state's forestry sector by aiming to boost economic growth through international biomass exports. The law establishes clear regulatory pathways to support this industry without compromising environmental safeguards, as outlined in sections §955.1 and §955.2 of the bill.
This bill asks the state's Public Service Commission to examine distributed energy generation and storage options for residents of this state. It directs the commission to study how these technologies can benefit local communities and includes a requirement to send a copy of the resolution to the commission's chairman. The text was amended to replace specific references to "Louisiana" with "this state" and to change mandatory language to a request. Ultimately, the measure serves as a formal request for the commission to conduct a study rather than a law that immediately changes regulations.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's full support for building and operating a liquid natural gas export facility at Port Fourchon. It directly affects the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, local businesses, and workers involved in the project, which is currently seeking federal permits. The resolution highlights the project's potential to create thousands of jobs, generate billions in economic activity, and prioritize Louisiana-based manufacturing and employment. It also notes the project's alignment with state economic goals and a policy of exporting energy to nations with shared democratic values.
This bill updates Louisiana law to expand the definition of "critical infrastructure" for legal purposes, directly affecting how the state identifies and protects essential facilities. It adds specific categories such as government facilities, military installations, and oil and gas exploration equipment to existing lists that already include transportation systems, communication networks, and water treatment facilities. The changes clarify which properties and systems are considered critical infrastructure under criminal laws related to unauthorized entry and under state statutes governing cybersecurity and utility protection. These definitions help ensure consistent application of legal protections across various essential services and facilities.
