Louisiana House Bill HB587

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/20
• Refer: 2/28/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Authorizes the secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality to establish a voluntary environmental self-audit program

Impact

The implementation of HB 587 would significantly alter state laws concerning environmental regulation and compliance. By introducing a structured yet voluntary self-audit process, businesses would have the opportunity to identify and rectify potential environmental violations proactively. The Department of Environmental Quality would set regulations outlining the self-audit procedures, including provisions for confidentiality and the circumstances under which information can be disclosed. This legislative change promotes a collaborative approach to environmental management, potentially reducing enforcement actions and penalties for businesses that actively engage in self-regulation.

Summary

House Bill 587, introduced by Representative Coussan, authorizes the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to establish a voluntary environmental self-audit program. The bill seeks to facilitate proactive environmental compliance among businesses by allowing them to conduct self-audits and subsequently report their findings to the state department. Furthermore, it establishes protocols for handling the information obtained during these self-audits, aiming to ensure some level of confidentiality while still mandating transparency in the context of public safety and regulatory compliance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 587 appears to be cautiously optimistic. Supporters argue that the bill encourages corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship by allowing businesses to address issues before they escalate into serious violations. There is a general belief that the program could foster a better working relationship between regulators and the industries they oversee. However, some skeptics are concerned that the confidentiality aspect could lead to a lack of accountability and transparency, particularly in cases where severe violations are discovered that may otherwise warrant public knowledge.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between encouraging voluntary compliance and ensuring adequate public oversight. Critics of the bill posit that providing too much confidentiality may shield companies from necessary scrutiny. Furthermore, there may be concerns about how incentives for self-disclosure will be structured, particularly regarding the reduction or elimination of civil penalties. The debate surrounding this bill encapsulates the tension between enabling businesses to improve their environmental practices and the necessity of maintaining stringent oversight to protect public interests.