Louisiana House Bill HCR151

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/11
• Engrossed: 6/6/11
• Passed: 6/7/11

Caption

Designates Monday, June 6, 2011, as Coastal Day at the La. Legislature

Impact

The resolution promotes awareness and recognition of the issues surrounding Louisiana's coastal areas, which can lead to increased legislative and public support for protective measures. By establishing a specific day to focus attention on these issues, HCR151 aims to catalyze discussions around updates to the Coastal Master Plan and continued efforts in ecosystem restoration in light of previous environmental disasters, such as the Deepwater Horizon incident. As such, it carries the potential to influence public policy and funding allocations towards coastal sustainability efforts.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 151 (HCR151) is a legislative resolution that designates June 6, 2011, as Coastal Day at the Louisiana Legislature. This resolution emphasizes the critical importance of Louisiana's coastal regions, highlighting the myriad challenges they face including regular tidal action, storm surge, saltwater intrusion, sea level rise, and impacts from man-made activities. The resolution underscores the necessity of incorporating an integrated system of protection and restoration to sustain the coast, which is vital for the welfare and economy of the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR151 appears positive, as it receives support across the legislative landscape. The resolution reflects a collective acknowledgment of the challenges facing the state's vital coastal regions, and a commitment to promoting their health and sustainability. Legislators are likely to view this declaration as an important step in enhancing visibility regarding coastal issues and garnering ongoing commitment to their resolution.

Contention

While HCR151 is not a contentious legislative piece in itself, it does highlight broader concerns regarding environmental policy and funding for coastal restoration initiatives. The resolution reflects an existing consensus on the importance of Louisiana's coast, yet discussions around resource allocation and the effectiveness of management strategies can evoke different opinions on the state and federal level regarding the best approaches to combat coastal erosion and habitat loss.