Energy

HB 707 updates Louisiana's Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission rules to redirect assessment fees toward promoting propane use through advertising, trade shows, and consumer rebates for propane appliances. It requires the commission to form an advisory board with nine industry representatives (including specific permit holders) to advise on fund allocation. The board must meet publicly and can hold virtual sessions, with members serving without pay. The bill also allows the commission to partner with the Department of Agriculture for market development efforts. Currently pending in committee.

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 595 transfers exclusive authority over natural resource development permits from local governments to the state department. It prohibits parishes, cities, and other local entities from requiring permits or enacting ordinances that could delay or block state-led development of resources like oil, gas, or minerals. The bill specifically states that no local government may impose permitting requirements related to natural resources, shifting all regulatory control to the state. This directly affects local governments and developers who previously navigated local permitting processes. The law aims to streamline state oversight for resource projects by eliminating overlapping local requirements.

This bill establishes the effective date for a law regarding the storage of sugarcane bagasse biomass, which primarily affects Louisiana's agricultural sector. It specifies that the law will take effect when the governor signs it or if the governor does not act, allowing it to become law automatically after the signing period expires. If the governor vetoes the bill but the legislature overrides that veto, the law will begin the day after the override is approved. This provision ensures the storage regulations are implemented without delay, regardless of the governor's initial action.