HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, limits legal claims against energy producers for climate-related damages. It prohibits lawsuits based on emissions originating outside Louisiana and makes it extremely difficult to sue for emissions within Louisiana, requiring plaintiffs to prove with "clear and convincing evidence" that the defendant violated specific permits or regulations, caused over 50% of the damages, and that the plaintiff did not contribute to the emissions. The bill directly affects energy producers, manufacturers, and related industries by shielding them from most climate-damage claims under Louisiana law. It also mandates that government entities seeking to sue must obtain prior written approval from the Governor, Attorney General, and two legislative committees. The law aims to preempt state court claims, aligning with federal Clean Air Act protections.
This bill urges the U.S. Congress and the United States Forest Service to permit the use of dogs for hunting within the Kisatchie National Forest. It also requests that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries collaborate with the Forest Service to ensure this hunting practice is conducted safely and sustainably. The legislation does not create new laws but serves as a formal recommendation to federal and state agencies regarding hunting regulations in the specified forest area.
This resolution establishes a Clean Water Task Force to investigate the public water system in Shreveport, Louisiana, which has recently faced issues like aging infrastructure, chemical contamination, and boil advisories. The task force will include representatives from state health and environmental agencies, local city officials, and local universities to assess the condition of water pipes, treatment facilities, and management practices. Members must complete their evaluations and submit a written report with recommendations for improving water quality and infrastructure reliability by November 18, 2026. The group is required to hold public hearings in Shreveport throughout the summer to gather community input before finalizing their findings.
This resolution from the Louisiana House of Representatives asks the Department of Conservation and Energy to study whether new laws are needed for the cleanup and protection of land after gravel mining. The study will examine specific actions like removing mining equipment, reshaping the land, and replanting vegetation, as well as safety distances from homes and waterways. The department must submit its findings to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment before the 2027 legislative session begins.
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.
SB 331 temporarily exempts specific drainage projects on the West Pearl River (from Lock 1 to the Rigolets) from Louisiana's Scenic Rivers Act protections. The bill removes restrictions on activities like channelization, dredging, and reservoir construction for drainage purposes between August 1, 2026, and August 1, 2033. It also eliminates the requirement for permits under related laws for these projects during that period. This change directly affects river management activities in that specific river segment for seven years.
HB 697 re-creates Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with a specific end date, effective June 30, 2026, and requires it to terminate on July 1, 2031. The bill directly affects the DEQ and all agencies currently operating under it, as their statutory authority will end by the 2031 termination date. Key provisions include repealing an existing statute (R.S. 49:191(1)(j)) and enacting new language (R.S. 49:191(3)(b)) to set the 2031 deadline for the DEQ’s operations. The department may be re-established before 2031 under existing procedures, but this bill establishes a fixed 5-year timeframe for its current structure. This is a procedural sunset law, not a policy change to environmental regulations.
HB 599 prohibits the sale of Louisiana's running surface water to entities outside the state. It directly affects businesses or entities seeking to purchase Louisiana water for use beyond Louisiana's borders. The bill enacts a new provision (R.S. 30:961(L)) banning such sales and repeals a prior section (R.S. 30:961(I)) that allowed the state secretary to approve cooperative agreements for out-of-state water withdrawals. This creates a clear policy change preventing the export of state-owned surface water for use outside Louisiana.
This concurrent resolution (HCR 4) suspends Louisiana’s rules restricting supplemental feeding and baiting for deer hunting in chronic wasting disease (CWD) control areas for 18 months. It directly affects hunters, landowners, and local businesses in CWD zones by temporarily lifting bans on baiting and feeding practices that were previously prohibited in "Enhanced Mitigation Zones" and restricted in "Buffer Zones." The suspension aims to support traditional hunting methods and reduce economic impacts on rural communities while allowing further study of CWD management. The resolution requires the state register to publish a summary of this change in the Louisiana Register.
