Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB153

Introduced
3/2/22  
Introduced
3/2/22  
Refer
3/2/22  
Refer
3/2/22  

Caption

Provides for cooperative endeavor agreements for use of surface waters. (8/1/22) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

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.

Summary

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of running surface water in Louisiana by instituting cooperative endeavor agreements that dictate how such water can be withdrawn.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.

Sentiment

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.

Contention

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

LA HB1486

Provides for cooperative endeavor agreements for the withdrawal of running surface water for certain purposes

LA SB90

Provides for Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for surface water. (7/1/23) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB532

Extends the opportunity for the state to enter into cooperative agreements for the sale of surface water

LA HB527

Prohibits certain uses of surface water from a scenic river

LA HB528

Prohibits certain uses of ground water and certain surface water

LA HB703

Prohibits the withdrawal of water from Spring Bayou in Avoyelles Parish

LA HB424

Extends the cooperative endeavor program for use of the state's surface water resources

LA SB141

Extends the time when the state may enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement for the sale of surface water. (8/1/14)