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

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 804: ENERGY: Creates the Louisiana Energy Protection Act (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

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.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyLimits lawsuits against energy producers for climate damages, weakening accountability for emissions and protecting fossil fuel interests.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentLimits climate damage lawsuits against energy producers, reducing legal accountability for emissions and weakening environmental protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

passed both · Louisiana · House Jun 5, 2026

HCR 79: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Memorializes Congress and the United States Forest Service to take such actions as are necessary to allow the use of dogs for hunting in the Kisatchie National Forest

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.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill permits dog use for hunting in a National Forest, potentially increasing wildlife disturbance and contradicting conservation goals.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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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

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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 other

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passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 367: WATER/DRINKING WATER: Recreates the Clean Water Task Force to study the public water system in Shreveport

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates a task force to investigate water contamination and aging infrastructure, aiming to improve public water safety and environmental protection.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 314: NATURAL RESOURCES DEPT: Urges and requests the Department of Conservation and Energy to study the implementation of gravel surface mining reclamation and conservation

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates a study on gravel mining reclamation, cleanup, and vegetation replanting, indicating intent to protect land and natural resources.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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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

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passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 358: RAILROADS: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to communicate with certain railroad companies to address abandoned and blighted railroads

This resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to talk with specific railroad companies about fixing abandoned and unsafe railroad tracks in several northwest Louisiana parishes. The bill highlights that old tracks and ties create hazards like tripping risks and soil contamination from chemicals, urging officials to work with local governments to remove or clean up these sites. The department must share contact information with local authorities and report its progress to the House Transportation Committee by January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill addresses soil contamination hazards from abandoned railroads and urges cleanup, directly protecting the environment.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges fixing abandoned and unsafe railroad tracks to remove hazards, directly enhancing transportation safety and infrastructure.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 367: WATER MANAGEMENT: Creates the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Watershed Conservation Fund for restoring lands/watersheds damaged by mining, funded by mining severance taxes, directly advancing environmental conservation and restoration efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment