House Resolution No. ___, introduced by Representative Mike Johnson, calls for the establishment of a subcommittee named the Louisiana Emergency Beetle Committee. This committee 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 vulnerability of pine and other trees to pests due to drought-induced weakening, and it addresses the legal restrictions that prevent local and state entities from removing infested trees on private properties, which pose risks to public safety and infrastructure.

The subcommittee will consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Public Service Commission, and other relevant organizations. It will focus on recommending actions to mitigate forest devastation, propose potential suspensions of certain regulations during emergencies, and advocate for federal support through the Emergency Beetle Response Act of 2024. 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 public awareness regarding beetle infestations and the associated dangers.