[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6217026,"mediaKeyId","3650154-8499469aa006063c9971901437622057","parentId",3650154,"title","Committee backs resolution to create task force to study small modular nuclear reactors in Louisiana","audioSeconds",376,"startMs",78000,"endMs",454000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650154-8499469aa006063c9971901437622057&start=78&end=454","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650154-8499469aa006063c9971901437622057/thumbnail_78000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6217026/Louisiana/Committee-backs-resolution-to-create-task-force-to-study-small-modular-nuclear-reactors-in-Louisiana","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217026-cc1d777de9e99d6dfdfe1e4199295fe2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775247260&Signature=luutmvZ6vJEliCEl2VXaCWMNpSEYQj5M1kX9ercjUUuKD4MJLrSlel~DhqBzp5ykKujSJsOtCT8oeit7AIUVC7vd884rHV0T8COa0dpqmGEftFDs8IZe5jAIWhIdjXjDnL~2UBci~6JphHTvuyy4WdryXCtmw-XVaxQdWACzbgkshn3B5QmCNeFJO1tB5IfN1DdmCO23I67eNT64-q93j4rdNcr9lW~mqi5FEhbwtnZnkJc~JvyNGiU6QFsUzVQduY3bL7xwEjlZ6rJPcCW0th44PzTJ54OuTmi6J-rNBhqAL27KVMEKDLyxf7Jik9w6HHFraM6FjDfkN3j0JTy26A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-06-03T00:00:00Z","article","The House Natural Resources Committee on June 3 voted to report House Resolution 249 favorably after Representative Echols described the measure as a study-and-recommendation task force for small modular nuclear reactors in Louisiana.

Representative Tim Echols (transcript identifies as Representative Echols) told the committee HR 249 would form a task force to study policies around small modular reactors, including infrastructure needs, permitting, zoning and opportunities for coordination with higher-education institutions. \"I wanna look at and study everything from, you know, some of the infrastructure we need in place enhancements, maybe have recommendations around how we can collaborate with our higher ed systems for policy and then also looking at different things around zoning and regulation,\" Echols said.

Vice Chair (recorded as Vice Chair) supported the resolution and suggested the Public Service Commission be added as a member. Representative Travis Johnson and others suggested additional higher-education representation from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and McNeese State University. Committee staff offered a concept amendment to add the dean of engineering at UL (or designee) and a commissioner of the Public Service Commission (or designee); the committee adopted that concept amendment and then reported HR 249 favorably.

Representative Echols said an earlier resolution he sponsored focused on spent nuclear fuel and that HR 249 is intended to focus on zoning, permitting and policy recommendations relevant to siting small modular reactors for industrial and data-center power needs.

There was no formal public testimony recorded on the resolution at committee; Representative Echols waived closing remarks and the committee moved the resolution forward without objection.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Natural Resources & Environment - June 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House Natural Resources Committee on June 3 voted to report House Resolution 249 favorably to create a task force to study and recommend policies to promote small modular nuclear reactors in Louisiana.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature LA, Louisiana","taxId",78558,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6217031,"House committee advances wide-ranging DNR reorganization bill with carbon sequestration, legacy remediation changes",5489,617000,6106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650154-8499469aa006063c9971901437622057&start=617&end=6106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650154-8499469aa006063c9971901437622057/thumbnail_617000.jpg","/articles/6217031/Louisiana/House-committee-advances-wide-ranging-DNR-reorganization-bill-with-carbon-sequestration-legacy-remediation-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217031-0bac2d31be7734515b60607a9e64b6e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775247260&Signature=lShdIsNB1CZ-Q7XHOAzFI2O~R00pBg9SLuP9sgXuVmb7jCo2S6KxBM~diWoQPJcZWBP8PJQLtgReiuumzjp5o~8mRub4UwsEBaep-yqqmanInvgaHcMzl-lpQKxImc0q3iFWzJ6UVYuA~z5w4yfkWTIPG0DRAKS3-0~u73KUHV5nEqQzMYNARd4J2nNSzlkUQaaKoTCX-dl9Y~jB4X2DT1pXcK3QJa9iGDjY4o70QrMJONij~cHD5oHQF8bw-mWq7BmKPvMIciiBzbG3BZSEbFrEu1GeAQA73KywVKg99GeaJNW5YFWPHKZ-S8sJk~mNQdhUEAXvhTTHvB2n16tQKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Natural Resources Committee on June 3 reported Senate Bill 244 favorably after adopting a broad set of amendments that reorganize the Department of Energy and Natural Resources and add provisions on carbon dioxide sequestration, water-resource management and legacy oilfield remediation.

The committee voted to adopt amendment set 3,569 and then to report SB 244 as amended; the roll call showed 13 yes votes and two no votes. Chairman Guymon presided over the meeting and Senator Henskins presented the bill on behalf of the Senate author.

The amendment package replaces the former Office of Conservation and the Commissioner of Conservation terminology with the secretary and renames the department the Department of Energy and Conservation. Deputy Secretary Dustin Davidson said the changes primarily reassign responsibilities rather than alter policy. \"What you're seeing is just a changing of the name of who oversaw those activities,\" Davidson said during his presentation.

Amendments added provisions that would: require the department to prioritize public water supplies; provide confidentiality rules for competitive mineral-leasing processes; require advance notice by certified mail to owners near proposed Class VI well or related carbon-capture applications; define common carriers in the carbon dioxide sequestration chapter; and add a voluntary alternative dispute resolution and a hearing-master process for certain department adjudications.

Governor Landry, who addressed the committee during the debate, described the package as a balanced approach to longstanding disputes over property rights and oilfield liabilities. \"This creates a date certain time. It creates some certainty after that particular date,\" he said, urging passage so the legislature can set ground rules for property owners and industry.

Members raised multiple concerns in committee. Several representatives and industry and landowner witnesses objected to amendment 39, which adds legacy remediation and litigation provisions and includes a paragraph restricting indemnity agreements. Don Caffrey of the Natural Resources Management Association and others said the anti‑indemnity language could invalidate longstanding contractual arrangements and chill future mineral leasing. \"By eliminating those contracts, servitudes, whatever they may be, we are now in a position that those can't be assigned or they won't be offered to be assigned, blocking us out of any mineral exploration on those properties,\" Caffrey told the committee.

Representatives from environmental groups and water districts said the measure is large and complex, and they urged more time for review. Kathy Waskin of the Louisiana Environmental Action Network warned the bill contains statewide groundwater and surface-water management provisions that could require additional staffing and regulatory resources; she said fiscal impacts were not detailed in the amendment packet. Sierra Club Delta Chapter representative Marlee Montgomery said the proposed department would have broad authority to reorganize divisions and urged additional review time.

Committee members also discussed procedural mechanics of the proposed hearing-master and appeals process. Senator Henskins and department staff described a voluntary model in which disputing parties would select a hearing master from a vetted list and could request a three-judge review panel by a similar selection process; the department would maintain the list but not control appointments.

On carbon sequestration, amendments include notice requirements intended to notify mineral lessees when a CO2 lease or sequestration project may affect mineral rights. The committee added a requirement that the department publish notices of related applications on its website. Deputy Secretary Davidson said geologists and engineers would provide plume information and that the department would work to make maps and application materials available to buyers and other interested parties.

Several members urged further cleanup of statutory language where text transferred from other agencies—such as the former Capital Area groundwater authority—created uncertainty about the bill's statewide application. Chairman Henskins and Secretary Gray said they would continue to work with members and stakeholders between committee action and any floor or conference actions.

The committee adopted the amendments and reported SB 244 favorably as amended; a roll-call tally recorded 13 yes votes and two no votes. Several committee members and witnesses said they expect follow-up negotiations in conference or on the floor to refine portions of the package, particularly the legacy-remediation and indemnity language.

Reporters and constituents seeking the department's application materials or maps for proposed carbon-sequestration projects were directed by department staff to the department website, and staff said they would work to make plume maps and application details clearer for potential mineral buyers.

The committee also asked the department to clarify any fiscal staffing requirements tied to expanded groundwater and surface-water monitoring provisions before the measure reaches further stages of the legislative process.","The House Natural Resources Committee on June 3 reported Senate Bill 244 favorably after adopting a broad amendment package that reorganizes the Department of Energy and Natural Resources and adds rules on carbon sequestration, water management and legacy oilfield remediation.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6217017,"Committee backs resolution to restore local commission authority over Cocodrie Lake",6131,6131000,-1,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650154-8499469aa006063c9971901437622057&start=6131&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650154-8499469aa006063c9971901437622057/thumbnail_6131000.jpg","/articles/6217017/Louisiana/Committee-backs-resolution-to-restore-local-commission-authority-over-Cocodrie-Lake","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217017-6b8a6dcf369aac0fa627e0a384dafaa7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775247260&Signature=BUu0VYkaRzRXuf9FFWh7TwCDtnylZ~iF7jC8haukiBXSiDc8iDg1lm0765h4aYGOQUyZEmrpGzB2Pfb2Un5jFRoAOI~rynOyYAUfyXwyj6W1NUExdaCoDzLDAvTlGw1eLNNq~0VxvbIYgVrTM9djEPjBfT4xyrM7UQs5jeGYvuv4o0Xsgfw7tYEehSaCAA26MZ4sfL8XMJAUuQUa8cgL7gXqMBFbujQAUtF-mi5Bk3pYaql-7DiPx~oI9uYw6Cm-dHhOJF7iECTA8SM1C~bXvjp2pAIt0m4BZY8GNCjR3ghRse5nT6mOom1wGfXi6RcXOeODs9wjGnXaYFgr-zucmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Natural Resources Committee on June 3 reported House Resolution 274 favorably after Representative Butler described longstanding local management of Cocodrie Lake and asked the committee to urge the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to restore general-health authority for the Cocodrie Lake Game and Fish Commission.

Representative Richard (RB) Butler told the committee Cocodrie Lake (sometimes spelled Cocodrie) and the associated dam flooded roughly 7,000 acres of private property when built in 1965; residents formed a commission to steward lake levels and fishery health. Butler said the commission exercised authority until that authority was moved to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in 1981, and that local residents want their board's authority restored so landowners and users can participate in lake management decisions.

Committee members expressed support for returning decision-making authority to local residents and their appointed commission, and Representative Carrier moved favorably on the resolution. The committee adopted the motion without recorded objection and reported HR 274 favorable.

Butler told the committee he has sought administrative engagement with Wildlife and Fisheries but has not resolved the dispute and wants the committee to encourage a negotiated outcome. He asked colleagues to help bring stakeholders together to find a durable local management approach for the lake’s health, water levels and fisheries.

The measure was reported favorable and will proceed to the next stage of legislative consideration.","The House Natural Resources Committee on June 3 reported House Resolution 274 favorably; the resolution asks the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to restore authority over the general health of Cocodrie Lake to the locally formed Cocodrie Lake Game and Fish Commission.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6217022,"Committee endorses resolution urging HHS to ban imported seafood until better testing is in place",118,479000,597000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650154-8499469aa006063c9971901437622057&start=479&end=597","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650154-8499469aa006063c9971901437622057/thumbnail_479000.jpg","/articles/6217022/Louisiana/Committee-endorses-resolution-urging-HHS-to-ban-imported-seafood-until-better-testing-is-in-place","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217022-e0ff8b172a6a789914937603fee21d44/orig.mp4?Expires=1775247260&Signature=htnxenkNOvCz5R8ix5yYXBpy39AgZaC85tCkoBu5AwLiR-VyCEYD3ZpPmtd8bu4pdt3Qas5f1zIo7m6NKbPyJ3FubN-M4Pu9F70OBb16iiOgrmjysruUP2KPEWYhMcTYaQvuowVeJusgY-la~eqQGP0SPLjNR3h6AYAIyec1UdTSXrA6Ck7WivZV4ZlX9wlkMB3k0vJQZRA2hxxVyZNzMVfRh9M2aZsROkZoheR4i6paw-mRBCWhC-1cq6whdAqUdDe0DjlOTL6lN~LsndkhL56w1f-LbD3A7qD4QMfCOj~fCQ0iPCELRJcOWxfbsvXkxGZOjKSyvpP5XSFyifqJ0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Natural Resources Committee on June 3 reported House Resolution 214 favorably after Representative Kerner told the panel the resolution urges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ban imported seafood until sufficient testing and inspection protocols are in place.

Ms. Winkler read the resolution into the record. Representative Kerner described studies and concerns about antibiotics, E. coli and Salmonella in some imported seafood and said existing testing (which he said covers about 0.2% of shipments) is inadequate. \"Sending resolutions like this may help because even in the shrimp, there's 0.2% of testing is just not enough,\" Kerner said.

Kerner acknowledged that a federal ban is unlikely, but said continued pressure through resolutions may lead to more testing and inspections. He moved the resolution favorably; no objections were recorded and the committee reported HR 214 favorable.

There was no public testimony recorded on the resolution in committee.","The House Natural Resources Committee reported HR 214 favorably after Representative Kerner said current imported seafood testing levels are insufficient and urged federal action to block imports until testing and inspections improve. The resolution is a formal request to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee backs resolution to create task force to study small modular nuclear reactors in Louisiana

House committee advances wide-ranging DNR reorganization bill with carbon sequestration, legacy remediation changes

Committee backs resolution to restore local commission authority over Cocodrie Lake

Committee endorses resolution urging HHS to ban imported seafood until better testing is in place