Environment

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 862: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides with respect to not-for-profit wildlife rehabilitation organizations

HB 862 amends Louisiana's wildlife rehabilitation law to allow non-profit organizations dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife to use photographs or videos of animals in promotional materials. This change specifically permits these groups to feature animals in ads, social media, or other materials to solicit donations, gifts, or grants from the public or private entities. Previously, the law prohibited using wildlife for "promotional or commercial purpose," which inadvertently blocked such fundraising efforts. The bill directly affects non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organizations by removing this barrier to securing financial support.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEnables wildlife rehab orgs to use promotional materials for fundraising, supporting conservation efforts by removing barriers to donor engagement for wildlife protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 851: ENVIRONMENT/LITTERING: Provides relative to intentional littering

HB 851 prohibits intentional releases of 12 or more balloons at a single event, imposing fines similar to other littering violations. It specifically exempts balloon releases by people under 17, biodegradable balloons, indoor releases, scientific/weather balloons (by agencies/institutions), and balloons with tracking devices. The law applies to event organizers planning such releases but does not affect typical balloon use or accidental releases. This amendment to Louisiana's littering statute clarifies penalties for mass balloon releases while allowing for common exceptions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits intentional large-scale balloon releases (a pollution source) with fines, aligning with littering regulations to reduce environmental harm. Exemptions for biodegradable/indoor releases show targeted protection.95% confidence

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 621: ENERGY/ALTERNATE: Requires recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure

HB 621 requires renewable energy facility owners in Louisiana to include recycling plans for decommissioned equipment (like solar panels or wind turbine parts) as part of their facility closure process. The bill mandates that owners pay all costs for decommissioning and recycling, with the Department of Environmental Quality determining what recycling is "practicable." It directly affects renewable energy providers operating in Louisiana, shifting financial responsibility for end-of-life infrastructure management from taxpayers to the industry. The bill does not create new funding or alter existing environmental standards, focusing solely on requiring recycling as a standard part of decommissioning.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates recycling of decommissioned renewable infrastructure (solar/wind), ensuring sustainable end-of-life management for renewables and shifting financial responsibility to owners.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates recycling of renewable energy infrastructure at decommissioning, shifting costs to owners to prevent landfill waste and pollution, directly protecting environment through responsible end-of-life management.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Wind Recycling

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 757: FISHING/COMMERCIAL: Provides relative to the taking of menhaden

HB 757 prohibits commercial fishing for menhaden (a small fish used in fish oil and feed) within Louisiana waters designated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It directly affects commercial fishers, vessels, and businesses involved in menhaden harvesting. The bill establishes strict liability (meaning violators are responsible without proof of intent) and imposes escalating penalties: $50,000 for a first offense, license revocation for up to 365 days for repeated violations, and permanent license loss after a fourth violation. These penalties apply to individuals or businesses operating commercial fishing vessels in prohibited zones.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits commercial menhaden fishing in designated waters to protect the species and marine ecosystem, a direct conservation measure under environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

passed · Louisiana · House Apr 28, 2026

HCR 4: HUNTING/DEER: Suspends rules relative to chronic wasting disease (EG SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)

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.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentSuspends CWD control rules restricting baiting/feeding in deer hunting zones, weakening wildlife conservation measures designed to prevent disease spread and protect deer populations.90% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 724: WILDLIFE/ENFORCEMENT: Provides for rehabilitation of wildlife

HB 724 amends Louisiana law to allow non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organizations to use photographs or videos of animals in promotional materials for fundraising. This change specifically permits these groups to solicit donations, gifts, or grants through advertisements featuring rehabilitated wildlife, which was previously prohibited under the law. The bill directly affects organizations dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation by expanding their allowable promotional activities while maintaining restrictions on commercial exploitation or pet trade use of wildlife.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPermits wildlife rehab orgs to use animal photos/videos for fundraising, enabling greater financial support for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 671: PROPERTY/EXPROPRIATION: Prohibits the ability of private companies to request or exercise expropriation for geologic storage of carbon dioxide

HB 671 prohibits private companies from requesting or using eminent domain (property takings) for geologic carbon dioxide storage projects. It directly affects landowners whose property might be targeted for such storage, as it restricts expropriation to government entities only. The bill requires Louisiana's Department of Conservation to appoint a neutral acquisition agent (not a private company) to manage all property acquisition processes for CO2 storage, with the expropriating authority reimbursing the department for related costs. This proposed bill, currently pending in committee, would change how property takings for carbon storage are handled in Louisiana but does not yet affect current operations.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBlocks private carbon storage projects via eminent domain, hindering emissions reduction efforts through carbon capture technology.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 60: CONSERVATION: Enacts the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act. (gov sig) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)

SB 60, the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, prohibits private companies from using eminent domain (government power to seize private land) to build carbon dioxide pipelines or storage facilities without a landowner's consent. It directly affects landowners whose property might be targeted for CO2 infrastructure projects, requiring companies to negotiate agreements rather than force access. Key provisions repeal existing laws allowing expropriation for CO2 pipelines and storage, remove the state secretary's authority to issue permits for such projects, and prohibit any prior permits from granting eminent domain rights. The bill shifts policy to prioritize landowner consent for CO2 transportation and storage activities, aligning with Louisiana's stated goal of protecting individual property rights.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBlocks CO2 pipeline infrastructure development, hindering carbon capture projects that support climate mitigation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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died · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 193: FISH/FISHING: Provides for the menhaden fishery. (8/1/26)

SB 193 prohibits Louisiana's fisheries commission from modifying commercial menhaden fishing buffer zones before August 1, 2028. The bill establishes a statewide rule freeze on these buffer areas, which define protected zones for the menhaden fishery. This directly affects commercial menhaden fishermen operating in Louisiana waters by maintaining current buffer boundaries until 2028.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMaintains current buffer zones for menhaden fishery conservation, preventing potential weakening of protected areas until 2028, aligning with natural resource protection.95% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 188: CONSERVATION: Provides for the Department of Conservation and Energy. (8/1/26)

SB 188 amends Louisiana law to clarify that waste of oil or gas is prohibited during extraction, directly affecting oil and gas producers who must comply with this requirement. The bill reenacts Section 30:2 of the state code to explicitly state that waste - defined as inefficient or unnecessary loss during production - is banned. This change provides clearer regulatory language for the Department of Conservation and Energy to enforce conservation standards. The bill is procedural, focusing on defining prohibited practices rather than creating new programs or funding. It is currently under review by the Natural Resources committee.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits waste of oil/gas during extraction, requiring conservation compliance. Strengthens resource conservation standards under Department of Conservation and Energy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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