House Concurrent Resolution No. ___, introduced by Representative Coates, urges the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to establish an advisory committee tasked with reviewing existing laws and regulations related to subsurface data. This committee will identify opportunities for interagency coordination and modernization in the collection, retention, and accessibility of well logs, core samples, and other subsurface data held by the state. The resolution emphasizes the importance of subsurface data for the state's economic and environmental interests and highlights the need for a comprehensive subsurface data system that can support various activities, including energy development and groundwater management.

The advisory committee will include representatives from relevant state agencies, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions, and is expected to assess current confidentiality periods, data ownership provisions, and the need for standardized digital submission requirements. The committee's findings and recommendations for modernizing the state's subsurface data system are to be submitted to the legislature by March 1, 2027. This initiative aims to enhance the preservation and accessibility of Louisiana's subsurface data resources, ultimately informing future policy decisions and investments in resource management.