Louisiana House Bill HB494

Louisiana 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/14/25

Caption

Provides for common carriers of petroleum pipelines

Impact

The introduction of HB 494 will have a significant impact on state laws concerning petroleum transportation. By narrowing the definition of what constitutes a common carrier and regulating only those tank facilities that are necessary for pipeline operations, the bill establishes a more focused regulatory approach. This means that the Public Service Commission will only enforce regulations on relevant facilities, which may reduce oversight on other terminal facilities. These changes are expected to enhance efficiency within the petroleum transport sector and potentially ease the compliance burden on companies operating in this space.

Summary

House Bill 494 seeks to regulate the common carriers involved in the transportation of petroleum within Louisiana. The bill amends existing laws to clarify definitions related to common carriers and the scope of regulations enforced by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. It focuses on regulating tank facilities that are integral to pipeline transportation, while also excluding certain terminal and unloading facilities from affected definitions. By doing so, HB 494 aims to streamline the regulatory framework governing petroleum transportation, providing a more precise guideline for both carriers and regulatory bodies.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 494 appears to be cautiously optimistic among industry stakeholders. Supporters argue that the bill is a step towards modernizing and refining the legal framework surrounding petroleum transportation, making it more efficient. However, some concern remains regarding the potential deregulation of certain facilities which were previously under stricter regulations. The discussions reflect a balance between the need for regulatory oversight and the benefits of reducing bureaucratic hurdles for petroleum carriers.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding the retroactive application of the proposed regulations. Some stakeholders worry that applying these changes retrospectively may lead to complications for companies that have relied on previous regulations. Additionally, the exclusion of certain facilities from regulation could raise concerns over safety and environmental monitoring, prompting debates about whether the bill adequately addresses necessary oversight in these critical areas of the petroleum industry.