House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes amendments to R.S. 30:29, focusing on the remediation of oilfield and exploration sites in Louisiana. The bill establishes that the Department of Energy and Natural Resources holds the primary right to bring claims for environmental damage and is responsible for determining the most feasible remediation plan. It outlines the responsibilities of parties admitting liability and sets forth procedures for developing and submitting remediation plans. Additionally, the bill modifies the judicial process for remediation claims, transferring the approval of remediation plans from the court to the department, and introduces a higher standard of proof for challenging the department's decisions.

The legislation also revises the definitions and scope of damages related to environmental remediation. It narrows the definition of "environmental damage" to specific injuries to environmental media, such as soil and water, and redefines "feasible plan" to "most feasible plan." Furthermore, it limits recoverable damages to the fair market value of the property and restricts claims for additional remediation unless explicitly stated. The bill mandates that any awarded damages be deposited into the court's registry and allows for direct payment of remediation costs, contingent upon posting a bond. Overall, HB 602 aims to streamline the remediation process while ensuring effective environmental protection and accountability for responsible parties.

Statutes affected:
HB602 Original: 30:29(A)