Environment

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 1153: ENVIRONMENT/ENFORCEMENT: Authorizes parishes and municipalities to declare bans on burning

This bill authorizes Louisiana parishes and municipalities to issue temporary bans on outdoor burning when environmental conditions create a high risk of wildfires. Local governments can enforce these bans through ordinances, resolutions, or emergency proclamations and must provide public notice via websites, social media, and emergency alert systems. The law exempts agricultural burning, prescribed burns, and contained cooking or recreational fires from restrictions. Violations can result in civil fines ranging from $500 to $2,500, and offenders who cause significant property damage or harm to critical infrastructure face criminal penalties including imprisonment and restitution for fire suppression costs. Fire departments and municipal code enforcement officers are authorized to enforce these burn bans alongside traditional law enforcement agencies.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes bans on outdoor burning to reduce wildfire risk and air pollution, directly protecting environmental quality and public safety.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 279: ENERGY: Recognizes the value of geothermal energy development in the state

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes geothermal energy development, leveraging existing infrastructure to enhance energy security and reduce barriers for renewable projects.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes geothermal energy, a clean renewable resource, to enhance energy security and leverage existing infrastructure for sustainable power generation.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 289: ENERGY: Urges and requests the Department of Conservation and Energy to review policies and practices related to the redaction of proposed well site locations

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transparency in carbon storage projects, enabling public participation and oversight of energy infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transparency in carbon storage site selection, enabling public participation and oversight to ensure environmental safety.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 343: CONGRESS: Memorializes Congress to oppose any effort to transfer, divest, privatize, or dispose of Kisatchie National Forest lands or otherwise remove such lands from federal ownership and management

This legislative resolution asks the U.S. Congress to oppose any efforts to transfer, privatize, or remove parts of the Kisatchie National Forest in Grant Parish, Louisiana, from federal ownership. The bill highlights the forest's cultural, economic, and recreational value to the community while urging increased investment in outdoor activities and conservation. It does not change federal law but serves as a formal expression of local support for keeping the land under federal management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly opposes privatization and removal of federal forest lands, aiming to protect natural resources and conservation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 1258: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides with respect to seizure of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife

This bill establishes a new process for handling sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife seized by Louisiana authorities for unlawful possession. It mandates that the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries prioritize releasing healthy animals into the wild or placing injured ones with licensed rehabilitators, zoos, or sanctuaries whenever possible. Euthanasia is strictly limited to situations where no other viable options exist, such as when an animal is suffering from a life-threatening disease or injury, or when release is legally prohibited and no suitable facility is available. The law also requires that any necessary euthanasia follow current American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines to ensure humane treatment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens wildlife conservation by prioritizing rehabilitation and limiting euthanasia, directly protecting natural resources.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 1248: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Permits the possession of white-tailed deer by wildlife rehabilitators

This Louisiana bill allows licensed wildlife rehabilitators to legally possess and care for white-tailed deer under specific health and containment rules. It establishes strict protocols for Chronic Wasting Disease, requiring that deer originating from infected zones be released only within the same area and mandating euthanasia if symptoms appear. Additionally, the law prohibits rehabilitating deer that show signs of disease, human habituation, or originate from outside the state. The legislation also sets minimum enclosure sizes and construction standards while requiring advance notice before releasing animals without any identifying tags.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enforces strict disease containment protocols for wildlife rehabilitation, preventing CWD spread and protecting natural resources through regulated possession and care.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SB 189: ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL: Prohibits the intentional release or dispersion, by burning of fuel, of chemicals into the environment of this state with the express purpose of affecting temperature. (8/1/26)

SB 189 prohibits intentionally releasing chemicals into Louisiana's atmosphere - through methods like burning fuel - to directly affect temperature, weather, climate, or sunlight. It applies to anyone conducting such releases within the state for these specific purposes. The bill explicitly excludes fire retardants or agricultural applications (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides) when used below 1,000 feet above ground. The bill is currently prefiled for the 2026 legislative session and has not yet been debated or voted on.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits intentional climate-altering chemical releases, preventing environmental harm from weather manipulation. Explicitly protects atmosphere from temperature/weather interference.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 802: WATER/RESOURCES: Provides with respect to the management of watershed restoration (EN DECREASE GF RV See Note)

HB 802 establishes Louisiana's Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund to support the cleanup and long-term management of lands and watersheds damaged by sand and gravel mining operations, with priority for flood-prone areas. The fund is financed by 100% of sand and gravel severance tax revenues (after constitutional allocations) plus donations, and it can only provide grants to legally created watershed entities that manage flood risks and have local representation. These eligible groups must maintain approved master plans, have floodplain management authority, and include experts in water resources. The fund requires annual reports to natural resources committees detailing how money is spent. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs 100% of sand/gravel severance tax revenues to fund watershed restoration, explicitly using existing tax revenue for environmental programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates a dedicated fund for watershed restoration and cleanup of mining-damaged lands, prioritizing flood-prone areas and conservation management per its title and summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 111: FISH/FISHING: Provides for black bass and crappie bag and size limits. (8/1/26)

SB 111 sets daily catch limits and minimum size requirements for recreational fishing of black bass and crappie in a defined area of south-central Louisiana. It prohibits taking more than five black bass (each at least 14 inches long) or 25 crappie (each at least 8 inches long) in a single day within specified boundaries south of US 190, east of the levee, and north of US 90. The bill directly affects recreational anglers fishing in that geographic region and prohibits possessing finfish filets. These changes would become effective August 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes catch/size limits to conserve black bass and crappie populations, directly protecting natural resources through sustainable fishing management in specified waters.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 417: FUNDS/FUNDING: Increases the maximum balance of the Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Fund (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 417 increases the maximum balance of Louisiana's Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Fund from a fixed $6.8 million to an amount adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting January 1, 2027. This change affects how the state manages funds generated from hazardous waste cleanup penalties, settlements, and fees collected under environmental laws. The bill requires the state treasurer to redirect excess funds above the new, inflation-adjusted cap into the Environmental Trust Fund, rather than the previous fixed limit. The adjustment mechanism ensures the fund's capacity grows with inflation, avoiding future budget constraints from rising costs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdjusts fund cap via CPI for fiscal responsibility, redirects excess to Environmental Trust Fund85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases hazardous waste cleanup funding via CPI-adjusted cap and redirects excess to Environmental Trust Fund, strengthening environmental protection efforts.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment