Louisiana Senate Bill SB439

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Authorizes certain parishes to create a conservation district. (8/1/12)

Impact

The legislation empowers designated parishes to manage and enhance their waterways and associated public lands. Each conservation district can allow local governance to undertake environmental projects such as beautification efforts and quality improvements. The districts will be governed by a board of commissioners, which include both appointed officials and those with environmental expertise, ensuring that qualified oversight is present for projects impacting local ecosystems.

Summary

Senate Bill 439, introduced by Senator Crowe, establishes a framework allowing certain parishes in Louisiana to create conservation districts aimed at improving water quality and beautifying local waterways. The bill targets parishes with specific population ranges, allowing them to form districts that manage and protect natural resources in designated areas. This initiative is intended to promote ecological, recreational, and cultural value of waterways, recognizing them as valuable community assets.

Sentiment

Reactions to SB 439 are primarily positive among environmental advocates, as it provides a structured means for local communities to assume responsibility for their waterway management. The sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of local governance in ecological initiatives. However, concerns may arise among those who fear potential bureaucratic inefficiencies or the impact of district operations on existing local regulations and other governance structures.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the potential for increased local authority over waterways, which may conflict with existing state or federal regulations. There could also be concerns regarding the equity of water resource management, particularly in how districts are funded and how communities engage with and benefit from these conservation efforts. Critics might argue that power imbalances could emerge if certain parishes develop more robust conservation initiatives than others, leading to disparate environmental outcomes.