House Resolution No. by Representative Mike Johnson calls for the establishment of a subcommittee, named the Louisiana Emergency Beetle Committee, under the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development. This subcommittee is tasked with studying the impact of recent drought conditions and beetle infestations on Louisiana's forest industry, which is a significant economic sector in the state, valued at $10 to $14 billion and responsible for approximately 37,000 jobs. The resolution highlights the urgent need to address the devastation caused by these environmental factors, particularly the dangers posed by dead or infested trees on private properties near public right-of-ways, and the legal restrictions that currently prevent local and state entities from removing such trees.

The subcommittee will solicit input from various stakeholders, including state departments, associations, and the governor's office, and will advocate for support of the Emergency Beetle Response Act of 2024. It is expected to raise public awareness about beetle infestations and recommend preventive measures. The committee is required to convene by August 1, 2024, and submit a report of its findings and recommendations by January 15, 2025. The resolution emphasizes the importance of addressing the beetle infestation issue to protect both the forest industry and public safety in Louisiana.