Louisiana House Bill HB748

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 3/27/12
• Engrossed: 4/3/12
• Report Pass: 4/25/12
• Enrolled: 5/7/12
• Chaptered: 5/11/12
• Passed: 5/11/12

Caption

Creates an exception to the engineering licensing provisions for the practice of evaluation of oil and gas resources

Impact

HB 748 is expected to streamline the process for engineers involved in the evaluation of oil and gas resources by providing clear guidelines under which they can operate without infringing on other engineering practices. This change could facilitate more efficient assessments of energy resources, potentially impacting the state's oil and gas industry positively by enabling quicker project initiation and economic forecasting. The bill's implementation may encourage more comprehensive studies and assessments in the oil and gas sector, which is crucial to Louisiana's economy.

Summary

House Bill 748 aims to create an exception within Louisiana's engineering licensing provisions specifically for the practice of oil and gas resource evaluation. The bill allows licensed engineers to conduct evaluations that include quantifying oil and gas reserves, forecasting production, and assessing the economic implications of these forecasts. However, it explicitly states that these evaluations must not involve civil engineering or land surveying and should not compromise public health or safety. This legislation marks a significant clarification concerning the types of evaluations engineers are authorized to perform regarding natural resources.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around HB 748 appears to be supportive, particularly from industry stakeholders who advocate for clearer regulations that aid engineers in resource evaluation. Proponents argue that the exception will enhance efficiency and economic viability in the energy sector. Conversely, some critics may express concerns regarding the potential risk to public safety, as the bill allows evaluations under specific conditions that must not interfere with civil engineering standards or public health assessments.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB 748 is the balance between facilitating resource evaluation and ensuring public safety. Detractors may question whether the exemptions provided could lead to a dilution of safety standards typically associated with civil engineering practices. By allowing licensed engineers to engage in oil and gas evaluations without requisite safeguards typically mandated in engineering, concerns could arise regarding the adequacy of oversight, potentially evoking debates on regulatory effectiveness and public accountability.