Environment (Conservation)

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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill honors individual contributions to waterfowl conservation and wetland preservation through Ducks Unlimited, recognizing environmental protection efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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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 & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs 100% of sand/gravel severance tax revenues to fund watershed restoration, explicitly using existing tax revenue for environmental programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates a dedicated fund for watershed restoration and cleanup of mining-damaged lands, prioritizing flood-prone areas and conservation management per its title and summary.95% confidence

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 ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBans CO2 pipelines (carbon capture infrastructure), restricting fossil fuel energy infrastructure development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans CO2 pipelines in protected lakes, preventing potential pollution and ecosystem disruption in sensitive water bodies per bill's explicit prohibition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits CO2 pipelines in protected wildlife areas, directly preventing ecological harm and conserving natural resources per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · Louisiana · House May 19, 2026

HB 498: ENERGY: Authorizes the governing authority of Beauregard Parish to determine whether carbon dioxide sequestration and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide may be permitted within the parish

HB 498 gives Beauregard Parish's governing authority (the Police Jury) the power to ban carbon dioxide sequestration projects and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide within the parish through a local resolution or ordinance. The bill requires the parish to notify the state Department of Conservation and Energy of any such ban, which would override state permits or approvals for these projects. It directly affects Beauregard Parish residents, landowners, and potential energy developers by allowing local control over these specific infrastructure projects. The law is limited to Beauregard Parish and does not apply to other parishes in Louisiana.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill enables local bans on CO2 sequestration pipelines, restricting infrastructure development for carbon management projects within Beauregard Parish.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentAllows parish to ban CO2 sequestration projects, hindering climate mitigation efforts by restricting emissions reduction methods.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Louisiana · House May 19, 2026

HB 504: ENERGY: Authorizes the governing authority of Sabine Parish to determine whether carbon dioxide sequestration and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide may be permitted within the parish

HB 504 authorizes Sabine Parish's governing authority (the Police Jury) to prohibit Class VI carbon dioxide injection wells, carbon dioxide sequestration projects, and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide within the parish. The bill gives Sabine Parish the power to block these projects through a local resolution or ordinance, overriding state permitting authority. It requires the parish to notify the state Department of Conservation and Energy of any prohibition and ensures such local decisions supersede conflicting state permits or approvals. This directly affects residents and developers in Sabine Parish by allowing the parish to decide whether carbon dioxide infrastructure can be built there.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill blocks carbon dioxide sequestration and pipelines (energy infrastructure) via local authority, restricting fossil fuel-related energy projects rather than advancing renewables or infrastructure.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBlocks CO2 sequestration projects, preventing carbon capture that reduces emissions, weakening climate action and environmental protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure Conservation

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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 & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects $50 lottery fees to Conservation Fund, funding a state program via user fees rather than taxes.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs lottery fees to Conservation Fund, funding wildlife management and conservation efforts per bill summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · Louisiana · House May 19, 2026

HB 497: ENERGY: Authorizes the governing authority of Vernon Parish to determine whether carbon dioxide sequestration and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide may be permitted within the parish

HB 497 gives Vernon Parish’s governing authority (the Police Jury) the power to prohibit carbon dioxide sequestration projects, carbon dioxide storage wells, and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide within the parish. It allows the parish to ban these projects through a local resolution, overriding any state permits or approvals that conflict with the parish’s decision. The bill requires the parish to notify the state Department of Conservation and Energy of its prohibition, which becomes effective immediately upon adoption. This directly affects residents and businesses in Vernon Parish, as well as companies seeking to build or operate CO2 infrastructure there.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill enables local bans on CO2 sequestration projects, directly restricting emissions reduction efforts and undermining climate protection measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Watershed Conservation Fund for restoring lands/watersheds damaged by mining, funded by mining severance taxes, directly advancing environmental conservation and restoration efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

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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