Provides for cooperative endeavor agreements for use of surface waters. (8/1/22) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
The passage of SB153 alters existing frameworks governing water withdrawals by changing the nature of cooperative agreements from authorization to a strict requirement. This is expected to enhance accountability and oversight regarding surface water withdrawals and could lead to stricter environmental protections. The requirements for fair market value have also been amended, specifically excluding the consideration of economic development impacts from the pricing model; this may alter the incentives for municipalities and entities to withdraw water in certain locales. The amended law seeks to maintain control over water resources while ensuring local governance structures remain intact.
Senate Bill 153 (SB153) aims to regulate the use of running surface water in Louisiana by instituting cooperative endeavor agreements that dictate how such water can be withdrawn. The bill stipulates that entities wishing to withdraw running surface water must enter into these agreements and establishes a framework for setting fair market values for this water. Notably, it retains prohibitions against reselling the water at higher prices unless for transportation, manufacturing, or processing purposes. The bill emphasizes the need for protecting water bodies from over-exploitation and aims to ensure that environmental and ecological impacts are carefully assessed in these agreements.
The sentiment around SB153 appears to be mixed among stakeholders. Proponents argue that it strengthens protections for water resources, ensuring sustainable usage practices that could benefit the state ecologically. However, some critics may view the reduced focus on economic contributions in assessing water's fair market value as detrimental, fearing that it could limit the financial viability of water-related projects. Overall, the bill reflects a balancing act between environmental stewardship and economic considerations, which remains a point of contention among legislators and local governments.
At the heart of the debate over SB153 lies the contention regarding the impacts of the bill's provisions on local governance and resource management. While the bill aims to protect water bodies impacted by invasive species, its removal of economic considerations from the fair market value equation raises concerns about how this might affect local economies dependent on water access. The reduced term for cooperative agreements, now set at one year with limited renewal options, could also lead to instability for entities reliant on longer-term planning for their water needs. This shift may provoke discussions around local control versus state authority in managing natural resources.