Louisiana House Bill HCR42

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/12
• Refer: 3/15/12
• Report Pass: 4/18/12
• Engrossed: 5/7/12
• Refer: 5/8/12
• Report Pass: 5/14/12
• Passed: 5/16/12

Caption

Memorializes congress to encourage and enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite their wetlands permitting process

Impact

The resolution calls for actions that could potentially streamline the permitting process for infrastructure projects involving wetlands, which are vital for state and local infrastructure improvements. This could ultimately lead to reduced delays in project approvals, enabling more timely infrastructure development, which is critical for addressing citizens' needs across Louisiana. By advocating for expedited permits, the bill aims to balance environmental conservation with the urgency of infrastructural advancements.

Summary

HCR42 urges the United States Congress to encourage the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the wetlands permitting process. This concurrent resolution highlights the importance of wetlands in Louisiana, noting their role in habitat preservation and their significance to the state’s hunting and fishing economy. It emphasizes that while wetlands protection is essential, it should not obstruct necessary economic and infrastructure development that can enhance the quality of life for Louisiana residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR42 appears to be supportive, particularly among legislators concerned about infrastructure delays caused by the lengthy permitting process. It reflects a recognition of the need for expediency in permit approvals while still acknowledging the importance of environmental regulations. However, the implications of such an expedited process may raise concerns for some environmental advocacy groups who might fear that quicker permitting could undermine wetland protections.

Contention

One notable point of contention could arise from the potential conflict between expedited development and environmental safeguarding. Although the resolution promotes the idea of accelerating the permitting timeline for infrastructure projects, opponents may argue that such measures could lead to inadequate environmental assessments and long-term harm to wetland ecosystems. The balance between economic growth and environmental integrity remains a critical focus in discussions around HCR42.