Louisiana Senate Bill SCR7

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/20
• Refer: 3/10/20
• Report Pass: 5/11/20
• Passed: 5/20/20
• Engrossed: 5/20/20
• Refer: 5/21/20
• Report Pass: 5/27/20

Caption

To urge and request certain officials and local governments to dismiss coastal lawsuits.

Impact

The legislation seeks to reaffirm the exclusive authority of the state in managing coastal resources and issuing permits related to oil and gas production. By calling for the dismissal of ongoing lawsuits, SCR7 aims to eliminate what supporters argue is an overreach by local governments that could hinder job creation, investment, and economic stability. The resolution highlights the positive contributions of the oil and natural gas sector to Louisiana's economy, including job support and significant tax revenues, as crucial for the state’s welfare and the nation's energy independence.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7 (SCR7) urges local officials in several parishes and the city of New Orleans to dismiss numerous coastal lawsuits against over two hundred oil and natural gas companies in Louisiana. The resolution is motivated by a belief that these legal actions, initiated by local governments in the past six years, are not aligned with the original intent of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), which places regulatory authority for coastal use permits squarely with the state. SCR7 emphasizes the need for state-led enforcement of coastal management and expresses a concern that ongoing litigation is unproductive and detrimental to the state’s economy and energy sector.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR7 appears to be largely supportive among Republican legislators and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, who argue that the bill is vital for promoting a stable business environment and reducing unnecessary judicial burdens. However, there may be dissenting opinions among those who believe that local governments should have a voice and authority in regulating environmental impacts affecting their communities. This creates a duality in perspectives regarding the balance between state control and local rights in environmental governance.

Contention

Notably, contention arises from the assertion that local governments, for decades, did not pursue such assertive legal actions against oil and gas companies under the CZMA. Critics might argue that the resolution undermines the ability of local communities to protect their interests concerning environmental concerns and the impacts of industrial operations. The discussion reflects a broader debate on the limits of local versus state authority and the implications this has for public health and environmental policy in Louisiana.