Louisiana House Bill HB891

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 4/14/10
• Engrossed: 4/26/10
• Report Pass: 5/11/10
• Enrolled: 5/18/10
• Chaptered: 5/26/10
• Passed: 5/26/10

Caption

Provides for the organization of the Dept. of Environmental Quality

Impact

The legislative changes introduced by HB 891 will directly impact state laws governing environmental protection and management. Specifically, the elimination of the office of environmental assessment could result in a more focused approach to environmental quality evaluations within the state. Proponents argue that this consolidation will reduce bureaucratic redundancies and enhance the effectiveness of environmental monitoring and compliance efforts. However, there are concerns about the potential for decreased attention to specific environmental issues that may have been prioritized under a separate office dedicated to environmental assessments.

Summary

House Bill 891 aims to reorganize the structure of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in Louisiana by eliminating the office of environmental assessment and redistributing its functions among existing offices within the department. This bill signifies a shift towards enhancing the efficiency of environmental management by consolidating responsibilities related to environmental air quality and water quality assessments. By assigning these functions to the offices of environmental compliance and environmental services, the bill seeks to streamline operations and improve service delivery in environmental protection efforts.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 891 appears to favor the notion of streamlining and improving departmental effectiveness, especially among supporters who believe that a more cohesive structure can better address environmental challenges. Yet, there is apprehension from environmental advocates who worry that downsizing the DEQ may compromise the state's ability to thoroughly assess and respond to environmental issues. The bill has sparked debates about the right balance between efficiency and thoroughness in regulatory oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 891 include concerns about the adequacy of environmental oversight following the dissolution of the office of environmental assessment. Critics argue that removing this office may weaken environmental protections and oversight mechanisms that are crucial for monitoring air and water quality. The pushback signals a fundamental debate between regulatory efficiency and environmental safeguarding, highlighting the need for sufficient resources and frameworks to adequately protect Louisiana's natural resources.