Environment (Conservation)

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.

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.

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.

HB 495 gives Grant Parish's governing authority (the Police Jury) the power to prohibit carbon dioxide sequestration projects and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide within the parish. If the parish adopts a resolution or ordinance blocking these projects, it overrides any conflicting state permits or approvals. The bill requires the parish to notify the state Department of Conservation and Energy of its decision, and any such prohibition becomes effective immediately upon adoption. This directly affects Grant Parish residents, landowners, and potential project developers by placing local control over these specific energy infrastructure decisions.

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.

HB 7, the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, prohibits private entities from using eminent domain (taking private property without consent) for carbon dioxide pipelines or underground storage projects. It directly affects landowners whose property might be sought for such infrastructure and private companies seeking to build CO2 pipelines or storage facilities. The bill removes existing expropriation authority for these purposes, defines "private entities" broadly to include corporations and partnerships, and eliminates the secretary of the Department of Energy and Conservation’s power to issue related certificates of public convenience. This replaces prior provisions allowing forced takings for CO2 projects with a clear ban on such actions without owner consent.