Louisiana Senate Bill SR84

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/26/12
• Passed: 4/30/12

Caption

Requests the commissioner of administration and the director of the governor's office of coastal activities to utilize all available funding when considering the implementation of the Gulf hypoxia action plan.

Impact

This resolution calls for actions that could influence state laws regarding agricultural practices, conservation, and watershed management in the tributaries of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers. By encouraging the utilization of financial resources from penalties related to the BP oil disaster, the resolution aims to enhance the state's capacity to support initiatives that lower nutrient runoff, thereby improving water quality in affected areas. If successful, this could lead to improved environmental health in coastal ecosystems and potentially restore fisheries affected by hypoxia.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 84 urges and requests the commissioner of administration and the director of the governor's office of coastal activities to leverage all available funding for implementing the Gulf hypoxia action plan. This action plan addresses the significant environmental issue of hypoxia, a zone of low oxygen affecting the health of Louisiana's offshore fisheries. The resolution highlights the importance of cooperation with federal and state efforts to reduce nutrient loading that contributes to this environmental hazard, emphasizing the state's commitment to both restoration and sustainability efforts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR84 appears supportive, with a focus on environmental stewardship and cooperation across various levels of government. Advocates for this resolution likely view it as a critical step towards restoring the ecological balance of the Gulf of Mexico and addressing the adverse effects of nutrient pollution. However, there may be underlying tensions related to how these funds are allocated and whether they sufficiently address local needs and priorities.

Contention

While widely supported, potential contention may arise regarding the allocation of the funds mentioned in the resolution and prioritization of projects under the Gulf hypoxia action plan. Stakeholders could express concerns about uneven distribution of resources or inadequate focus on pressing local environmental issues. Additionally, discussions could emerge about the methods used to measure the effectiveness of nutrient reduction strategies and the overall transparency of the implementation process, which is vital for gaining public trust and ensuring long-term success.