Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HCR25

Introduced
4/10/19  
Engrossed
4/15/19  
Engrossed
4/15/19  
Refer
4/16/19  
Refer
4/16/19  
Report Pass
4/30/19  

Caption

Urges and requests the Department of Environmental Quality to study sewer systems

Impact

If successful, this resolution could lead to a significant shift in how municipal wastewater systems are managed within Louisiana. By advocating for the consolidation into regional systems that possess the necessary resources and qualified operators, HCR25 aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment across the state. Should the study lead to actionable outcomes, it may promote cleaner water ecosystems and improve public health outcomes for Louisiana residents as pollution from poorly functioning systems is addressed.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 25 (HCR25) urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to study the feasibility of providing funding for the consolidation of municipal wastewater treatment systems into larger, regionalized systems. The motivation behind HCR25 stems from ongoing challenges faced by many municipalities in Louisiana where current wastewater systems lack adequate funding for necessary upgrades and maintenance, leading to environmental concerns due to the inadequate treatment of sanitary wastewater. The resolution highlights the importance of ensuring the protection of state waters and public health.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR25 is largely supportive, reflecting a collective recognition of the urgent need to improve wastewater management. Legislators and environmental advocates express optimism that consolidating resources will help combat existing failures in municipal systems. However, some concerns may arise regarding the practicality of funding and the operational capacity of newly formed regional systems, especially given the historical challenges faced by local governments in performance and compliance.

Contention

Notable points of contention are likely to revolve around the availability of funding and the political will to implement the recommendations made by the Department of Environmental Quality after the study. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the implications of consolidation on local control versus regional governance in wastewater management. These considerations will be critical as stakeholders assess the advantages and potential drawbacks of changing the operational landscape of wastewater treatment in the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HCR42

Urges and requests the Department of Environmental Quality to study the overall impacts of wetland assimilation projects prior to approval of additional such projects

LA HCR24

Urges and requests that the Department of Environmental Quality report to the legislature regarding Capitol Lake remediation

LA SCR24

Requests the Department of Environmental Quality to study the feasibility of providing funding for devices that remediate certain water quality impairments.

LA HCR1

Creates the Sanitary Sewer Systems Overflows Commission

LA HCR143

Urges and requests the Department of Environmental Quality to study the feasibility of sharing internal real time emissions data from certain facilities with first responders

LA SCR30

To urge and request the Department of Environmental Quality to study implementation of real-time community air monitoring and notification systems.

LA HCR37

Urges and requests the Department of Environmental Quality to implement measures to prevent the release and discharge of preproduction plastic from facilities into the waters of the state of Louisiana

LA HR233

Urges and requests the Department of Environmental Quality to study the feasibility of expanding the testing of child-occupied facilities for lead and mercury

LA SCR13

Request the Department of Environmental Quality to study strategies for recycling plastic containers.

LA HCR31

Urges and requests the commissioner of conservation to study the necessity of declaring an area of groundwater concern or critical area of ground water concern in the Baton Rouge area

Similar Bills

LA HCR84

Directs the La. State Law Institute to reorganize and recodify the Miscellaneous Health Provisions chapter of Title 40 of the La. Revised Statutes

LA HCR196

Urges and requests a study of the means by which the La. State Board of Nursing may obtain access to investigative records

LA HCR173

Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS

LA HCR104

Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce

LA SB212

Provides for the membership of the Prescription Monitoring Program Advisory Council. (8/15/10)

LA SB31

Provides for the repeal of certain inactive or obsolete healthcare laws. (8/1/22)

LA HB874

Makes supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017-2018

LA SCR65

Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.