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.
SB 367 creates Louisiana's Watershed Conservation Fund to support restoration of lands and watersheds damaged by sand and stone mining. The fund is financed by remaining severance tax revenues from these mining operations after other required allocations (like coastal protection funds). It directly affects eligible watershed management entities that meet specific criteria, such as having statutory floodplain management authority and a governing board with parish representation and relevant expertise. Funds will be used for reclaiming abandoned mining sites, reducing flood risks in vulnerable areas, and improving water quality in impaired watersheds. The secretary of the department must annually report fund administration to relevant legislative committees.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
