Committee approves temporary Scenic Rivers exemption for Pearl River maintenance after contested conservation testimony

Senator Owen presented SB 331, which proposes a temporary (five‑year) suspension of some provisions of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act on a segment of the Lower Pearl River so that dredging, clearing and channel realignment needed to address severe siltation can occur. Owen said the work is intended to address man‑made sedimentation and to preserve hurricane access and estuary functions.

Emily Buxton, director of external affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Louisiana, opposed removal of rivers from the program and warned of increased flooding, bank erosion and habitat loss if waterways are removed from Scenic Rivers protections. Matthew Allen of North Shore River Watch similarly urged retaining the public participation and permitting provisions in the Scenic Rivers program and cautioned that small changes can shift river equilibrium.

Sponsor amendments removed language authorizing commercial and cluster‑residential development in the affected stretch and limited the exemption’s scope; sponsor said the changes were made in response to concerns and that the section at issue has broad local support for maintenance work. Representative Carrier moved the bill favorably; the committee reported SB 331 favorable after questions and the sponsor’s assurances about the amendments.

The committee’s action advances SB 331; conservation groups recommended a shorter temporary window (three years) and urged ongoing public participation in permitting.