Louisiana House Bill HB796

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/20
• Refer: 5/4/20

Caption

Requires that mitigation funding associated with the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project be used to compensate commercial fishermen for losses associated with that project

Impact

The enactment of HB 796 is expected to significantly impact Louisiana's commercial fishing industry, particularly as it relates to coastal management and environmental restoration efforts. By ensuring that commercial fishermen are compensated for losses stemming from the diversion project, the bill seeks to mitigate potential negative effects on the fishing community. This could lead to a restoration of trust between the government and local fishermen, and possibly promote future collaborations on coastal protection measures. However, the bill also implies an ongoing commitment to address the fishermen's economic sustainability amidst environmental changes.

Summary

House Bill 796 mandates that the mitigation funding allocated for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project be specifically designated to compensate commercial fishermen for losses incurred due to this environmental initiative. This bill emphasizes the importance of recognizing the economic impact of large-scale coastal projects on local fishermen and aims to provide a safety net for their livelihoods. Under the bill, claims for compensation must be submitted to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), which will determine the compensation amount based on the fishermen's tax returns from the past seven years.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 796 appears to be largely supportive among the fishing community and environmental advocates who recognize the importance of safeguarding fishermen's livelihoods. This support may stem from a realization that while large-scale environmental projects can be necessary for long-term coastal sustainability, they often have immediate detrimental impacts on local economies. There is an overarching concern that without legislative protections like those in HB 796, fishermen could suffer irreparably due to state-regulated environmental efforts.

Contention

Despite the positive reception among specific stakeholders, there are potential points of contention. Critics may argue that the compensation process could become unwieldy or inadequate, particularly in verifying claims based on tax returns. There are also concerns regarding how effectively the CPRA will implement the rules and manage the mitigation funds. Questions about the sufficiency of compensation relative to the actual losses experienced by fishermen could arise, as well as debates over prioritizing environmental projects versus immediate economic support for vulnerable communities.