Louisiana Senate Bill SCR109

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/14/12
• Passed: 5/15/12
• Engrossed: 5/15/12
• Refer: 5/16/12

Caption

Requests the commissioner of conservation to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations necessary to protect human health and the environment as a result of releases from oil and gas well sites.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the role of the state government in safeguarding natural resources and presents a structured approach for evaluation and remediation of environmental impacts stemming from oil and gas production. It highlights the ongoing challenges the state faces due to historical practices that have led to a patchwork of regulations, which can complicate responses to environmental concerns. By launching new regulations, SCR109 aims to standardize the approach to contamination, significantly impacting current state laws governing environmental protection.

Summary

SCR109 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the commissioner of conservation to establish reasonable rules and regulations to protect human health and the environment from oil and gas well activities. The underlying concern is the need for effective regulation in light of inconsistent practices related to addressing contamination from oil and gas exploration and production. The bill seeks to ensure these regulations are based on human health risk assessments and align with guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SCR109 appears to be supportive among legislators who see the need for additional regulatory clarity and a systematic approach to environmental health risks. With a unanimous vote of 31-0 in favor of the resolution, it reflects a consensus on the importance of balancing industrial activity with ecological responsibility. This support indicates recognition of public concerns regarding safety and environmental quality linked to the oil and gas industry.

Contention

While the bill passed without opposition, there are implicit points of contention regarding the enforcement of new regulations. Industry representatives may worry about the potential economic implications of stricter regulatory measures, particularly concerning compliance costs and operational flexibility. However, the established advisory committee, which includes stakeholders from various areas, aims to foster collaboration and input in the regulatory process to mitigate these concerns.