Energy (Oil & Gas)

HB 496 establishes minimum surface injection pressure limits for saltwater disposal wells in Bossier, Caddo, and Webster Parishes, directly affecting oil and gas operators using these wells. It sets three specific pressure thresholds based on well depth and daily fluid volume: 0.5 psi per vertical foot for deeper wells injecting under 3,000 barrels/day, and 0.25 psi per vertical foot for deeper wells injecting 3,000+ barrels/day or shallower wells (1,200 feet or less). Existing permit holders with stricter pressure limits can request modifications to comply with these new minimums. The bill does not apply to commercial disposal wells and focuses on regulating onsite or community saltwater disposal operations.

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.