Louisiana House Bill HCR47

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/14
• Refer: 4/1/14

Caption

Urges and requests the Department of Environmental Quality to report to the legislature what would be required to clean up Capitol Lake

Impact

The resolution calls for a coordinated effort among various state agencies, including the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Department of Natural Resources, to address the challenges facing Capitol Lake. It seeks to ensure that a thorough assessment is conducted, paving the way for actionable recommendations to restore the lake to its previous ecological and aesthetic standing. The proposal anticipates that enhancing water quality can improve local biodiversity and attract more visitors, reinforcing the importance of the lake in enhancing the state's natural beauty.

Summary

HCR47 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Louisiana legislature, which urges and requests the Department of Environmental Quality to report on what is needed to clean up Capitol Lake and improve its water quality to be suitable for fish habitat. This resolution highlights the historical significance of Capitol Lake as a former strategic location during the Battle of Baton Rouge and its essential role in enhancing the aesthetic of the Louisiana State Capitol area, a vital tourism spot. The bill speaks to the neglect the lake has faced, specifically due to its use as a wastewater receptacle and drainage basin over the years, which severely diminished its environmental quality and attractiveness.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR47 is positive among legislators who see it as a necessary step toward environmental restoration and heritage preservation. There is an understanding that the aesthetic appeal of the Capitol area is not just for immediate local enjoyment but also serves to welcome visitors from outside, reinforcing state pride and the importance of maintaining such landmarks. However, some concerns may still linger regarding the feasibility of cleanup efforts and the resources required to implement comprehensive environmental assessments effectively.

Contention

Historically, Capitol Lake's decline in water quality—which once led to posted warnings against consuming fish from the lake—points to significant underlying issues concerning pollution management. Discussions may arise around the budgetary implications of this cleanup process and whether the proposed actions would be sufficient to combat the past neglect. Lawmakers are tasked with balancing immediate ecological interventions with long-term sustainability plans, ensuring that the measures taken effectively restore the lake while considering the state's budgetary constraints.