Louisiana House Bill HB148

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Refer: 5/5/14
• Refer: 5/6/14
• Engrossed: 5/21/14
• Report Pass: 5/28/14

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Requires that monies received by the state from violations of certain federal and state laws associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill be deposited into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund (RE1 SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly affect how the state allocates funds associated with environmental violations, specifically towards coastal restoration and hurricane protection initiatives. The amendment is designed to create a dedicated source of funding that ensures state revenues from the Deepwater Horizon incident directly benefit the Louisiana coastal area, which has suffered ecological damages following the spill. The proposed constitutional amendment also stipulates that certain existing limitations on fund balances would not apply to these deposits, potentially allowing for greater flexibility in funding coastal projects.

Summary

House Bill 148 seeks to amend the Louisiana Constitution to require the deposit of state revenues received from violations of federal and state environmental laws, specifically those linked to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. This fund was established to provide a stable funding source dedicated to coastal protection efforts, including restoration and improving resilience in affected areas. By ensuring these specific revenues are allocated for coastal protection, the bill aims to enhance the state's ability to manage its coastal resources effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 148 appears to be generally positive among supporters who emphasize the importance of dedicated funding for environmental protection and restoration efforts. Legislators backing the bill argue that it represents a proactive step towards managing the long-term recovery and sustainability of Louisiana's coastal regions. However, discussions may also have included apprehensions regarding the implications of dedicating funds without addressing the broader context of environmental policy inadequacies, which often could lead to concerns about governmental accountability.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the interpretation of what constitutes 'certain federal and state laws' and the implications that could have for future environmental enforcement actions and funding allocations. Moreover, stakeholders may debate the efficacy and sufficiency of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund in addressing the diverse challenges posed by coastal erosion and environmental degradation. As debates regarding the appropriateness of such amendments often reflect broader social and environmental justice issues, the bill could face scrutiny from various community groups concerned about equitable resource allocation.