The bill, introduced by Representative Jacob Landry, amends existing laws concerning the remediation of oilfield and exploration sites in Louisiana. It establishes a framework for evaluating and remediating environmental damage, emphasizing the adoption of the "most feasible plan." Key provisions require parties admitting liability for environmental damage to develop a remediation plan within 90 days, with the court having the authority to adopt this plan unless it is proven to be arbitrary and capricious. The bill also mandates that damages awarded for environmental remediation be deposited into the court's registry and clarifies the responsibilities of the involved parties.

Additionally, the bill introduces new legal language that mandates the evaluation of environmental damage and the necessity for remediation, while repealing certain existing provisions. It specifies that the overseeing department will not require landowner consent for applying regulatory exceptions in remediation plans. The bill modifies the standard of proof for challenging the department's designated plan from a preponderance of the evidence to clear and convincing evidence, and it narrows the scope of recoverable damages to economic loss and nonremediation damages based on the fair market value of the impacted property. Furthermore, it allows for direct payment of remediation costs instead of court registry deposits, provided a bond is posted.

Statutes affected:
HB694 Original: 30:29(A), 30:29(M)(1)
HB694 Engrossed: 30:29(A), 30:29(M)(1)