Louisiana House Bill HCR25

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/19
• Engrossed: 4/15/19
• Refer: 4/16/19
• Report Pass: 4/30/19
• Passed: 5/14/19

Caption

Urges and requests the Department of Environmental Quality to study sewer systems

Impact

If successful, this resolution could lead to a significant shift in how municipal wastewater systems are managed within Louisiana. By advocating for the consolidation into regional systems that possess the necessary resources and qualified operators, HCR25 aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment across the state. Should the study lead to actionable outcomes, it may promote cleaner water ecosystems and improve public health outcomes for Louisiana residents as pollution from poorly functioning systems is addressed.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 25 (HCR25) urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to study the feasibility of providing funding for the consolidation of municipal wastewater treatment systems into larger, regionalized systems. The motivation behind HCR25 stems from ongoing challenges faced by many municipalities in Louisiana where current wastewater systems lack adequate funding for necessary upgrades and maintenance, leading to environmental concerns due to the inadequate treatment of sanitary wastewater. The resolution highlights the importance of ensuring the protection of state waters and public health.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR25 is largely supportive, reflecting a collective recognition of the urgent need to improve wastewater management. Legislators and environmental advocates express optimism that consolidating resources will help combat existing failures in municipal systems. However, some concerns may arise regarding the practicality of funding and the operational capacity of newly formed regional systems, especially given the historical challenges faced by local governments in performance and compliance.

Contention

Notable points of contention are likely to revolve around the availability of funding and the political will to implement the recommendations made by the Department of Environmental Quality after the study. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the implications of consolidation on local control versus regional governance in wastewater management. These considerations will be critical as stakeholders assess the advantages and potential drawbacks of changing the operational landscape of wastewater treatment in the state.