Louisiana House Bill HB181

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/16
• Refer: 2/26/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 4/20/16
• Engrossed: 4/27/16
• Refer: 4/28/16
• Report Pass: 5/9/16
• Enrolled: 5/19/16
• Chaptered: 5/31/16
• Passed: 5/31/16

Caption

Re-creates the Department of Natural Resources

Impact

The passing of HB 181 is significant as it ensures the continuation and re-structuring of critical environmental governance within the state. The bill aims to streamline the functions of the Department of Natural Resources, which plays a crucial role in managing Louisiana's natural resources. The legislation enshrines the clinical requirements for statutory re-creation, ensuring that the agency can operate effectively while also preparing for its eventual phase-out should it not be re-created by the designated deadline. This could promote better long-term planning and resource management within the department.

Summary

House Bill 181 aims to re-create the Department of Natural Resources in Louisiana, along with its associated statutory entities. This legislation outlines the effective termination date for these entities and provides for their statutory authority continuation until July 1, 2021. The bill emphasizes the importance of having a structured timeline for the operational status of these statutory bodies and establishes provisions to ensure their re-creation aligns with state requirements. By doing so, the bill seeks to maintain oversight and proper governance of natural resource management in Louisiana.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 181 appears to be largely positive among its supporters, who argue that the re-creation of the Department ensures essential oversight in managing Louisiana's diverse natural resources. There’s a sense of urgency and necessity behind the bill for effective environmental governance, especially considering the state's unique ecological challenges. However, there may also be concerns among some stakeholders regarding the implications of having a structured timeline tied to the existence of environmental governance structures, questioning the projected outcomes of stringent deadlines.

Contention

Potential points of contention include the implications around the July 1, 2021 termination date for the Department and its entities. Critics may argue that binding timelines could create instability within the department and put pressure on policymakers to make hasty decisions regarding re-creation, possibly impacting ongoing environmental initiatives. Additionally, there may be discussions about the balance between state authority and local governance in managing natural resources, and the potential impact on stakeholders involved in environmental advocacy and resource management.