Louisiana House Bill HB916

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/18/12
• Engrossed: 5/2/12
• Refer: 5/3/12
• Report Pass: 5/14/12
• Enrolled: 5/30/12
• Chaptered: 6/7/12
• Passed: 6/7/12

Caption

Renames the state entities responsible for coastal protection and restoration

Impact

The enactment of HB 916 will profoundly affect the governance landscape of Louisiana's coastal protection efforts. The bill allocates clear responsibilities to the OCPRA, allowing for improved oversight of projects funded through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. There is an emphasis on aligning the objectives of various departments and agencies to ensure that coastal restoration work proceeds efficiently and effectively, which is crucial given the state's vulnerability to hurricanes and erosion.

Summary

House Bill 916, introduced by Representative St. Germain, seeks to amend and reenact several provisions related to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and its associated entities in Louisiana. This legislation denotes a significant reorganization of state entities engaged in coastal protection and restoration, aiming to centralize leadership and streamline operations within a unified framework. By renaming existing bodies and clarifying their powers, the bill positions the Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (OCPRA) as the primary agency responsible for these endeavors, facilitating enhanced coordination between various governmental entities and stakeholders.

Sentiment

The response to HB 916 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates for coastal protection who view the unified approach as a necessary evolution in response to ongoing environmental challenges faced by Louisiana's coastline. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the bureaucracy that may arise from increased centralization and the implications that might have for local governance and decision-making. Stakeholders have expressed hopes that this bill will lead to clearer accountability and more effective use of state resources.

Contention

Despite the overall support for HB 916, there are contentious points regarding the potential reduction of local influence in coastal management decisions. Critics fear that consolidating power within the state authority may stifle community input and disregard localized needs in favor of broader state-level strategies. Careful monitoring of implementation will be crucial to ensure that local voices remain heard and integrated into coastal restoration discussions.