2017 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 161
BY SENATOR BARROW
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Department of Environmental Quality to study providing
notifications to residents and the feasibility of providing free medical monitoring
after the release of toxic air emissions from major sources and provide a report of the
findings to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare no later than February 1,
2018.
WHEREAS, the purity of the air in the environment is a matter of vital concern to
the welfare of the people of the state and all efforts should be taken to promote an
environment free from substances that jeopardize the health of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, regulations and policies for economic and industrial development
should include efforts to provide citizens living in areas under threat of toxic air emissions
from major sources with scientific information and resources to help them avoid negative
health effects associated with an exposure to harmful substances; and
WHEREAS, the ability to protect the citizens of the state depends upon the adequacy
of emergency response plans, and such plans should include rapid notification of the release
of any toxic air emission to residents who live in an area affected by such emission, and
should also include the latest scientific data regarding the substance released and any
potential health complications associated with the emission; and
WHEREAS, such plans should also include access to free and timely medical
monitoring provided to residents who have been exposed to toxic air emissions in an effort
to prevent harmful and avoidable health consequences as a result of an exposure to harmful
substances; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to ensure that the health and well-being of the people of
Louisiana are being protected, the Department of Environmental Quality, in consultation
with the Louisiana Department of Health, should study the feasibility of providing timely
notifications and free medical monitoring for any residents exposed to toxic air emissions
from a major source.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
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does hereby request the Department of Environmental Quality to study creating a
notification system and a free medical monitoring program for residents exposed to a toxic
air emission from a major source and provide a report of the findings to the Senate
Committee on Health and Welfare no later than February 1, 2018.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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