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.
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 727 prevents Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality from banning the burning of untreated, unpainted dimensional lumber (like wood framing materials used in construction). This directly affects construction companies, property owners, and contractors who manage debris from building projects. The bill requires the Department to update or remove any conflicting rules in the Administrative Code that would otherwise restrict this specific type of burning. It creates a clear exception for this debris type, making it legal to burn without new permits or approvals under current regulations.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's full support for building and operating a liquid natural gas export facility at Port Fourchon. It directly affects the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, local businesses, and workers involved in the project, which is currently seeking federal permits. The resolution highlights the project's potential to create thousands of jobs, generate billions in economic activity, and prioritize Louisiana-based manufacturing and employment. It also notes the project's alignment with state economic goals and a policy of exporting energy to nations with shared democratic values.
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.
