Bill > HB602

This bill amends Louisiana state law regarding the remediation of environmental damage at oilfield and exploration sites, establishing a more structured legal process for addressing environmental contamination. The bill clarifies that the Department of Energy and Natural Resources' Office of Conservation has the primary right to bring claims for environmental damage, and introduces a detailed procedure for developing and implementing remediation plans. Key provisions include requiring parties responsible for environmental damage to submit evaluation and remediation plans to the department, which will review and determine the most feasible plan using regulatory standards like the Risk Evaluation and Corrective Action Program (RECAP). The bill limits damages to the market value of affected property, excludes damages for activities conducted before June 30, 1989, and restricts damage claims to areas within 36 inches of the land's surface. The legislation also modifies the legal process by staying litigation until the department files a notice of plan determination, allows for incremental funding of remediation efforts, and provides guidelines for recovering costs and attorney fees. Importantly, the bill aims to balance environmental protection with practical considerations for resolving environmental damage claims in the oil and gas industry.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB602&sbi=y