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HB 566

APPROPRIATIONS: Prohibits use of state funds in support of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policies (OR DECREASE RV See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chuck Owen

HB 566 bars state funds from supporting net-zero greenhouse gas initiatives, with limited exceptions and private enforcement.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HB 566

Summary of HB 566 (2026, Louisiana) – Prohibition on State Funds for Net-Zero Climate Initiatives

Purpose and intent

HB 566 would prohibit the use of state funds to support programs, initiatives, or activities that are connected to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goals. The measure creates a statutory barrier to state-funded efforts aligned with net-zero targets and related climate initiatives, effectively limiting Louisiana’s public funding of climate strategies that aim to reduce GHG emissions to net zero.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definition of terms

    • “Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goals”: Any objective seeking net-zero emissions by a specified date or timeframe, as outlined in the Climate Initiatives Task Force’s February 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan. This includes efforts tied to Paris Agreement alignment, IPCC guidelines, renewable energy transitions, electric vehicle incentives, equity-focused policies, and methane or other emissions-reducing measures described in the plan.
    • “State funds”: Any monies appropriated by the state, excluding funds required to be spent by federal law without state discretion.

  • Prohibition on use of state funds

    • State agencies, departments, boards, commissions, or other state entities may not allocate, expend, or obligate state funds for any program, project, or activity directly tied to or supporting net-zero emissions goals.

  • Exceptions (limited)

    • Expenditures required to comply with federal laws, regulations, or court orders predating the act and not discretionary.
    • Obligations under contracts or agreements entered into prior to the act’s effective date.
    • Expenditures related to incentives for reduction of pollutants or harmful chemicals identified by the Department of Environmental Quality.
    • Emergency expenditures for public health, safety, or disaster response, provided they are not primarily aimed at achieving net-zero goals.

  • Civil enforcement

    • A private citizen or knowledgeable entity can file a civil action in the state district court to enjoin alleged violations.
    • The action must rely on independent knowledge, not on public disclosures from audits, investigations, or media reports.
    • Courts may order the enjoining of violations and may award costs and attorney fees to prevailing parties. If a public entity relies on the Attorney General’s written opinion that its actions comply with the section, the entity may avoid costs and attorney fees.

  • Effective date and sunset

    • Applies to state funds appropriated for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2026 onward.
    • The provision sunsets (nullifies) on January 1, 2031.

Who or what would be affected

  • State government entities (agencies, departments, boards, commissions, and other state bodies) would be restricted from funding net-zero-related climate initiatives.
  • Private citizens and organizations would gain standing to sue public entities for alleged violations, with defined procedural safeguards.
  • Programs already funded under federal mandates or pre-existing contracts, as well as certain environmental incentive programs and emergency expenditures not aimed at net-zero, would remain permissible.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Enactment: Requires signature by the governor or legislative approval if vetoed; otherwise becomes law as per constitutional timing.
  • Sunset: The act is temporary, expiring January 1, 2031, unless extended or renewed.
  • Fiscal impact: The bill restricts future funding of net-zero climate initiatives, potentially affecting state-initiated energy, environmental, and infrastructure programs that would otherwise pursue emissions reductions.

Overall, HB 566 establishes a narrow, enforceable prohibition on funding net-zero climate initiatives with a mechanism for private enforcement while preserving several narrowly defined exemptions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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