Environment (Conservation) in Louisiana

passed · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 58: COMMENDATIONS: Commends Gordie White for his commitment to waterfowl conservation through Ducks Unlimited and the preservation of North America's wetlands and wildlife

This bill is a commendation resolution honoring Gordie White for his long-term dedication to waterfowl conservation and wetland preservation through his work with Ducks Unlimited. It recognizes his role in founding the New Iberia chapter in 1972, his service as state chairman, and his development of the "Ducklings" volunteer fundraising model that has spread nationwide. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge his contributions and encourage future generations to continue environmental stewardship.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 802: WATER/RESOURCES: Provides with respect to the management of watershed restoration (EN DECREASE GF RV See Note)

HB 802 establishes Louisiana's Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund to support the cleanup and long-term management of lands and watersheds damaged by sand and gravel mining operations, with priority for flood-prone areas. The fund is financed by 100% of sand and gravel severance tax revenues (after constitutional allocations) plus donations, and it can only provide grants to legally created watershed entities that manage flood risks and have local representation. These eligible groups must maintain approved master plans, have floodplain management authority, and include experts in water resources. The fund requires annual reports to natural resources committees detailing how money is spent. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 62: CONSERVATION: Provides relative to construction of pipelines on certain water bodies. (8/1/26) (OR -$1,142,000 GF RV See Note)

SB 62 prohibits the construction of carbon dioxide pipelines within the boundaries of Lake Maurepas and Lake Ponchartrain in Louisiana. The bill explicitly bans pipelines built "for the purpose, in whole or in part, of transporting carbon dioxide" in these two water bodies. This directly affects any entity seeking to build such pipelines in these specific lakes. The bill is currently prefiled and under consideration but has not yet been enacted.

Topics ✗ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 63: WILD REFUGES/PRESERVES: Prohibits construction of pipelines on certain wildlife management areas. (8/1/26) (OR -$3,292,850 SD RV See Note)

SB 63 prohibits the construction of carbon dioxide pipelines within three specific Louisiana wildlife management areas: Maurepas Swamp, Joyce, and Manchac. The bill directly affects developers or companies seeking to build such pipelines in these protected zones. It creates a legal barrier by explicitly banning pipeline construction for carbon dioxide transport in these locations, regardless of other applicable laws. The measure aims to protect these ecologically sensitive areas from potential pipeline-related disruptions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

signed · Louisiana · House May 5, 2026

HB 767: WILDLIFE/FEES: Authorizes recreational alligator hunting license and lottery fees

HB 767 would create a lottery system for Louisiana residents seeking recreational alligator hunting permits. It requires a $50 nonrefundable entry fee for the lottery, with successful applicants receiving harvest tags at no additional cost (the fee may apply toward a $25 annual resident license). All revenue from lottery fees and auctions would be directed to the state Conservation Fund. This bill specifically affects Louisiana residents who wish to hunt alligators recreationally under a new permit system, pending legislative approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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 ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

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 ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 899: NATURAL RESOURCES DEPT: Provides with respect to land reclamation following non-coal mining (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

HB 899 establishes Louisiana's first comprehensive regulatory framework for noncoal surface mining (e.g., sand, gravel, stone) by creating the "Louisiana Noncoal Surface Mining Law." It directly affects mining operators, landowners, and the Department of Conservation and Energy, requiring operators to submit reclamation plans before mining to restore land to productive use (e.g., farming, forestry, or recreation) after operations end. Key provisions include mandatory reclamation standards, fees to fund land restoration, the creation of a Noncoal Mine Land Reclamation Fund, and exclusive state authority over permitting and enforcement. The law aims to protect water quality, prevent erosion, preserve property values, and balance resource development with environmental safeguards.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Water Quality

signed · Louisiana · House May 11, 2026

HB 891: MTR VEHICLE/LICEN PLATES: Provides for wildlife special prestige license plates (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 891 creates three new special license plates in Louisiana: "Louisiana Quail Forever," "Ducks Unlimited," and "Conserve Louisiana." Vehicle owners who purchase these plates pay additional fees ($26 for Quail, $50 for Ducks, $50 for Conserve Louisiana) beyond standard registration costs. The base fees fund the state's Conservation Fund for specific wildlife habitats (quail or waterfowl), while annual royalty fees ($50 each) go directly to the respective conservation organizations (Quail Forever or Ducks Unlimited) to support their habitat work. The "Conserve Louisiana" plate requires 1,000 applicants before issuance and directs all fees to the Conservation Fund for general wildlife conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

All environment bills