Louisiana House Bill HB900

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 4/20/16
• Engrossed: 4/28/16
• Refer: 5/2/16
• Report Pass: 5/10/16
• Refer: 5/11/16
• Report Pass: 5/23/16
• Enrolled: 6/1/16
• Chaptered: 6/9/16
• Passed: 6/9/16

Caption

Authorizes an increase in fees collected by the Department of Environmental Quality (EN +$9,400,000 SD RV See Note)

Impact

The implementation of HB900 will allow for a more flexible fee structure, enabling the Department of Environmental Quality to increase fees to meet current operational needs and inflationary pressures. By adjusting fees for accreditation of commercial laboratories, hazardous waste facilities, and underground storage tanks, the bill seeks to enhance the financial sustainability of environmental programs. The projected revenue increase is expected to support the department's capacity to conduct inspections, enforce regulations, and maintain compliance across various environmental sectors.

Summary

House Bill 900 proposes amendments to existing statutes regarding the fees collected by the Department of Environmental Quality in Louisiana. The bill primarily focuses on authorizing an increase in various environmental fees, including those related to groundwater, air quality, hazardous waste management, and underground storage tanks. This initiative aims to raise revenues that will be deposited into the Environmental Trust Fund, which supports the department's efforts in environmental protection and regulation enforcement.

Sentiment

There is a generally positive sentiment surrounding HB900 from proponents who emphasize the necessity of proper funding for environmental regulation. Supporters argue that the increased fees will ensure that the Department of Environmental Quality can adequately oversee and address environmental issues across the state. However, some dissenters have raised concerns about the potential impact on businesses that may be affected by higher fees, particularly those in sectors heavily regulated by the department. Nonetheless, the overarching narrative remains focused on the importance of sustainable funding for environmental protection.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between increasing fees and maintaining economic viability for businesses affected by regulatory costs. Critics of the bill caution that while ensuring adequate funding for the Department of Environmental Quality is crucial, it must not come at the expense of local businesses' economic burden. The potential for increased operational costs could lead to pushback from industry stakeholders who may feel disproportionately impacted by the financial adjustments authorized in the legislation.