Louisiana House Bill HB745

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/13/15

Caption

Provides for limitations of memberships of boards charged with the responsibility to conserve ground water

Impact

The impact of HB 745 on state law is significant as it directly alters the composition of governance for groundwater conservation. By restricting membership based on affiliations with private entities, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability within the state's water management framework. This change could empower local stakeholders who rely on groundwater resources for various needs and ensure that decisions made regarding these resources are made in the public's interest rather than private profit. However, it may also raise questions about the ability of those with expert knowledge from the private sector to contribute positively to these boards.

Summary

House Bill 745 aims to amend regulations surrounding groundwater conservation in Louisiana by imposing limitations on the membership of boards governing regional bodies tasked with this responsibility. Specifically, the bill prohibits individuals who are employed by, have an ownership interest in, or serve as consultants for private entities that produce groundwater for beneficial use in excess of 50,000 gallons per day from serving on these boards. This measure is intended to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that the management of water resources is overseen by individuals who are not tied to private groundwater producers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 745 appears to be mixed among legislators and stakeholders. Proponents advocate that the bill is a necessary step towards ensuring fair representation and preventing potential exploitation of groundwater resources, reflecting a growing concern over sustainable water management practices. Conversely, some critics suggest that the bill may overly restrict knowledgeable individuals from contributing to important discussions on water resources, thus potentially limiting the effectiveness of the boards tasked with this critical oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 745 center around the balance of interests between conservation efforts and the contributions of private expertise. Some fear that by excluding individuals involved in the groundwater production industry, the bill could limit the range of perspectives and knowledge available on these boards. This contention highlights the broader debate over how best to manage natural resources while balancing public oversight with the contributions of private sector expertise. The potential implications for local governance and community engagement in water management add further complexity to the discussions on this legislation.