Bill > HB694

This bill amends Louisiana law regarding the remediation of oilfield and exploration sites by modifying existing legal procedures for addressing environmental damage. The bill clarifies and refines the process for evaluating and remediating environmental damage, introducing several key changes. It establishes a more structured approach to developing remediation plans, requiring parties responsible for environmental damage to submit a plan within 90 days of admitting responsibility or being found legally responsible. The bill introduces the concept of a "most feasible plan" which must be approved by the state department and adopted by the court, with a higher standard of proof (clear and convincing evidence) needed to challenge the department's recommended plan. It also limits damages that can be awarded, specifying that economic loss damages must be proven by clear and convincing evidence and nonremediation damages are restricted to the fair market value of the impacted property. The bill provides more explicit guidelines for appealing plan adoptions, mandates expedited appeal processes, and clarifies that a party's legal responsibility is satisfied by meeting applicable regulatory standards. Importantly, the bill applies to cases where a remediation plan has not been approved by January 1, 2026, ensuring a prospective implementation of these new procedural requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB694&sbi=y