Louisiana House Bill HR168

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/19
• Passed: 5/16/19

Caption

Requests the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to collaborate with Rio Grande Pacific Railroad and certain federal agencies to conduct an environmental review on the quantifiable public health, safety, and welfare impact of new railroad alignment in the city of Gretna

Impact

If passed, this resolution would lead to a more comprehensive analysis of the potential health and safety ramifications related to new rail alignments. Notably, it seeks to consider factors such as the transport of hazardous materials, impacts on emergency services, and overall community quality of life. The collaborative nature of this effort, involving multiple governmental and railway authorities, indicates a commitment to ensuring that local populations are protected as rail infrastructure evolves.

Summary

House Resolution 168 urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, along with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and several railroad and federal agencies, to conduct a thorough environmental review concerning any new railroad alignment in the city of Gretna. Given that Gretna has some of the highest concentrations of unprotected rail crossings in the country, the bill aims to address potential adverse impacts on public health, safety, and community welfare that may arise from the introduction of new railway lines and crossings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR168 appears to be focused on a proactive approach to mitigating risks associated with railroad operations in urban areas, particularly concerning public safety and environmental health. While supportive voices appreciate the emphasis on comprehensive reviews and community welfare, there may also be concerns regarding bureaucratic delays that such extended reviews could introduce in developing critical infrastructure.

Contention

Potential points of contention could arise over the perceived necessity and effectiveness of the proposed environmental review. Some stakeholders might argue that existing regulations sufficiently address safety and health concerns, while others may call for even more stringent evaluations, particularly given past incidents within urban railway systems. The overall debate highlights a tension between facilitating railway development and ensuring community safety and well-being.