Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection)

HB 890 requires new scientific evidence and stricter environmental reviews for certain construction projects on Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, directly affecting developers of pipelines, dredging, or offshore platforms. It mandates specific documentation - including sediment testing, benthic habitat mapping, and hydrodynamic modeling - to prove activities won’t permanently harm lake bottoms, disrupt ecosystems, or increase pollution. The bill also requires independent scientific reviews, public hearings in affected areas, and written findings for each environmental criterion before permits are issued. These rules apply to all pending permits as of the law’s effective date, with no impact on federal jurisdiction.

This bill (HR 1) formally approves Louisiana's Fiscal Year 2026-2027 state integrated coastal protection plan, which was already developed by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board. It directly affects Louisiana's coastal management programs by authorizing the implementation of projects focused on protecting, conserving, and restoring coastal areas, including hurricane protection and land restoration initiatives. The plan outlines funding priorities for projects like dredged material use, land acquisition, and environmental compliance, based on established project rankings. Legislative approval is required for the plan to take effect, though it automatically becomes active if not disapproved by July 1, 2026. This is a procedural resolution, not a new policy.