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Regular Session, 2013 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 82
BY SENATOR GARY SMITH
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to perform
a study determining how local governing authorities can regulate air boat noise.
WHEREAS, it is estimated that many Americans are being affected with hearing loss
and impairment, that is partially attributed to damage from exposure to air boat noise; and
WHEREAS, studies have determined that air boat noise can lead to sleep loss,
physiological and psychological harm, and disruption of normal living activities; and
WHEREAS, air boat noise exposure can be linked to increased risk of cardiovascular
disorders, learning deficits in children, stress, and diminished quality of life; and
WHEREAS, air boat noise is a constant source of torment for some that presents a
growing imperilment to the health and welfare of human and animal populations; and
WHEREAS, the LDWF should study and review the dangers of air boat noise,
abatement, approaches, and varied implementation techniques; and
WHEREAS, the study should provide validations and proposed rules that can be
sponsored, implemented and enforced by local government entities; and
WHEREAS, one difference between air boats and other boats is that air boats are
powered by elevated, virtually unmuffled, high horsepower motors with large air propellers;
and
WHEREAS, University of Florida researchers have reviewed the clash between the
rights of those who enjoy natural water resources, and a conflict exemplified by the concern
of air boat volume increases; and
WHEREAS, some state statutes allow for air boat motor noise to be up to
approximately ninety decibels, that is the same amount of noise produced by a pneumatic
concrete breaker; and SCR NO. 82 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, regulation of air boat noise has been examined in order to reduce
residential irritants, and preserve lakes and rivers where fishermen work and live; and
WHEREAS, the study on air boat noise by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries should include time and area restrictions, no-wake zones, sanctuaries, and scenic
waterways.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
request the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to study and determine ways that
local governing authorities can regulate air boat noise.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES