Louisiana House Bill HB850

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 4/2/14
• Engrossed: 4/14/14
• Refer: 4/15/14
• Report Pass: 4/28/14
• Enrolled: 5/22/14
• Chaptered: 6/5/14
• Passed: 6/5/14

Caption

Provides relative to clean up of hazardous materials found in integrated coastal protection projects

Impact

The bill establishes a framework that facilitates expedited responses to hazardous materials by ensuring that the CPRA can directly contract with entities working on federal projects, including compliance with federal regulations on hazardous substances. This approach is intended to enhance the efficiency of environmental responses and cleanup efforts in Louisiana’s coastal regions, where such contaminants might endanger both public health and local ecosystems.

Summary

House Bill 850, enacted by the Louisiana legislature, authorizes the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Board to contract directly for the study, investigation, and cleanup of hazardous substances associated with integrated coastal protection projects. This legislation aims to streamline processes following federal requirements, allowing the state to directly engage contractors involved in such projects, particularly those linked with the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 850 is positive among proponents who see it as a necessary step towards better environmental management and protection. Supporters argue that it enables a more direct and effective approach to dealing with hazardous materials, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Louisiana. However, the sentiment does suggest some apprehension regarding oversight and the potential for the board to prioritize expediency over thorough regulatory compliance in contracting processes.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the direct contracting allowance, which some critics may argue could lead to a lack of transparency or competitive bidding processes leading to issues of accountability. While the bill requires certain checks, such as obtaining multiple estimates, concerns may arise about the effectiveness of these measures in ensuring that the best practices are followed during hazardous substance management. Thus, while the bill aims for efficiency, it raises valid discussions about the need for rigorous environmental safeguards.