To urge and request certain officials and local governments to dismiss coastal lawsuits.
Impact
The legislation seeks to reaffirm the exclusive authority of the state in managing coastal resources and issuing permits related to oil and gas production. By calling for the dismissal of ongoing lawsuits, SCR7 aims to eliminate what supporters argue is an overreach by local governments that could hinder job creation, investment, and economic stability. The resolution highlights the positive contributions of the oil and natural gas sector to Louisiana's economy, including job support and significant tax revenues, as crucial for the state’s welfare and the nation's energy independence.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7 (SCR7) urges local officials in several parishes and the city of New Orleans to dismiss numerous coastal lawsuits against over two hundred oil and natural gas companies in Louisiana. The resolution is motivated by a belief that these legal actions, initiated by local governments in the past six years, are not aligned with the original intent of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), which places regulatory authority for coastal use permits squarely with the state. SCR7 emphasizes the need for state-led enforcement of coastal management and expresses a concern that ongoing litigation is unproductive and detrimental to the state’s economy and energy sector.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR7 appears to be largely supportive among Republican legislators and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, who argue that the bill is vital for promoting a stable business environment and reducing unnecessary judicial burdens. However, there may be dissenting opinions among those who believe that local governments should have a voice and authority in regulating environmental impacts affecting their communities. This creates a duality in perspectives regarding the balance between state control and local rights in environmental governance.
Contention
Notably, contention arises from the assertion that local governments, for decades, did not pursue such assertive legal actions against oil and gas companies under the CZMA. Critics might argue that the resolution undermines the ability of local communities to protect their interests concerning environmental concerns and the impacts of industrial operations. The discussion reflects a broader debate on the limits of local versus state authority and the implications this has for public health and environmental policy in Louisiana.
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to incorporate the East Biloxi Shoreline Barrier Zone as a vital component in the state and federal master plans for coastal restoration and storm protection.
Requests the Dept. of Homeland Security to direct the U.S. Coast Guard to implement all cleanup methods prior to the conclusion of an emergency or active response
Provides for the disbursement of certain revenue from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund for hurricane protection purposes. (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Requests the U. S. Department of Interior to adopt a policy encouraging avoidance of stranding assets in the Gulf of Mexico Shallow Water Province to ensure maximum benefit for the nation.
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to study the advisability of including Acadia Parish and Jefferson Davis Parish in the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority