Louisiana House Bill HR231

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/28/19
• Refer: 5/28/19
• Report Pass: 5/29/19
• Passed: 6/5/19

Caption

Urges and requests the secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality to study the establishment of a voluntary compliance audit program for industries regulated by the department

Impact

The proposed program is expected to provide regulated facilities with the opportunity to engage in self-auditing practices that would identify violations before they become problematic. It also offers immunity from certain penalties if companies voluntarily disclose and correct any issues uncovered during these audits. This initiative is positioned as a means to improve compliance rates and foster a more cooperative relationship between the DEQ and the regulated community, aligning with broader federal goals to emphasize voluntary disclosures for environmental compliance.

Summary

House Resolution 231 urges the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to study the implementation of a voluntary compliance audit program for industries under its regulations. The intention is to promote systematic self-evaluation among regulated facilities, enabling them to identify and rectify any compliance issues proactively. This resolution reflects the DEQ's commitment to fostering open communication with industries and enhancing their compliance capabilities, which is vital for the protection of citizens and the environment in Louisiana.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HR231 appears to be positive, with recognition of the potential benefits of creating a voluntary compliance audit program. Stakeholders, including the DEQ and regulated industries, are encouraged to collaborate in developing the program. However, there may also be concern amongst advocacy groups about ensuring that this voluntary approach does not lead to diminished enforcement capacity or lax compliance standards, especially when public health or environmental risks are in question.

Contention

While the resolution proposes a positive route toward encouraging compliance, some points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of how the voluntary audit program will be established and what protections will be afforded to facilities participating in the program. Key considerations include how transparency will be maintained, the extent of privilege associated with disclosed information, and ensuring that the program does not shield any facilities from accountability for severe violations. The resolution's effectiveness will largely depend on balancing regulatory oversight with the flexibility for industries to operate in a self-regulating manner.