Environment (Climate Change)

HB 419 limits civil liability for oil and gas companies regarding greenhouse gas emissions that comply with state and federal laws. It directly affects covered entities like oil producers, refiners, and pipeline operators by blocking lawsuits alleging contributions to climate change ("climate change claims"). Key provisions state these entities cannot be held liable for such claims if emissions follow applicable regulations, while preserving liability for personal injury, property damage, environmental violations, or gross negligence. The bill does not apply to carbon capture projects and explicitly aims to prevent courts from establishing climate policy instead of legislative or regulatory processes.

This bill prohibits Louisiana state agencies from using state funds for any programs or activities supporting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goals. It broadly defines such goals to include policies aligned with international climate agreements (like the Paris Agreement), renewable energy incentives, electric vehicle programs, and methane regulations outlined in Louisiana's 2022 Climate Action Plan. Exceptions allow funding for federal compliance, pre-existing contracts, pollution reduction initiatives, and emergency spending unrelated to net-zero targets. The restriction applies to state funds for fiscal years starting July 1, 2026, and expires January 1, 2031.