Senate Bill No. by Senator Hensgens proposes significant amendments to the Louisiana Revised Statutes, renaming the Department of Energy and Natural Resources to the Department of Conservation and Energy. The bill establishes new offices within the department, including those focused on permitting and compliance, enforcement, and state resources, while replacing the title "commissioner of conservation" with "secretary." It introduces provisions for the management of natural resources, including the formation of the Natural Resources Commission and the Louisiana Natural Resources Trust Authority, and outlines the secretary's responsibilities, including oversight of oil and gas production reporting and the regulation of hazardous waste disposal wells. The bill also mandates public hearings for new commercial hazardous waste disposal permits and specifies the secretary's authority in managing compliance orders and civil penalties.

Additionally, the bill enhances groundwater management regulations, allowing the department to designate aquifer-specific districts and implement measures to prevent waste from groundwater withdrawal. It outlines a comprehensive statewide water resource management plan, emphasizing public participation and stakeholder input. The legislation also introduces detailed procedures for environmental remediation, including the establishment of review panels to address contamination disputes, and clarifies the appeals process for regulatory decisions. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the administrative structure of the Department of Conservation and Energy while ensuring effective management and sustainable use of Louisiana's natural resources, with an effective date set for August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB193 Original: 30:3(3), 30:4(C), 30:4(D), 30:82(6), 30:1(B)(3), 30:83(B)(3), 30:3(B)(1), 36:354(A)(13), 36:1(B)(1), 38:3098(A), 38:1(4), 45:251(3), 56:1(C)(2), 56:13(B), 56:14(B)