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HR 289

ENERGY: Urges and requests the Department of Conservation and Energy to review policies and practices related to the redaction of proposed well site locations

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Mack

Urges the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy to review and potentially reform policies for redacting proposed oil/gas well-site locations to balance transparency and c

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 289

Bill Overview

  • bill type: House Resolution (HR), 2026 session, Louisiana
  • bill number: HR 289
  • title: ENERGY: Urges and requests the Department of Conservation and Energy to review policies and practices related to the redaction of proposed well site locations
  • sponsor: Co-sponsor Shane Mack
  • current status: Read by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on May 18, 2026; lies over under the rules (a procedural hold allowing further consideration)

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy to review its policies and practices concerning the redaction of proposed well site locations.
  • The focus is on ensuring scrutiny and potential adjustment of how, when, and under what circumstances proposed locations for oil, gas, or other energy wells are redacted from public information.

Key Provisions and Provisions Likely to Be Included

  • Formal request to the relevant department to conduct a policy review.
  • Specific areas likely to be examined (implied by language of the resolution):
    • Criteria used to determine when well-site location information is redacted.
    • Balancing transparency with legitimate security or competitive concerns.
    • Procedures for notifying affected stakeholders and the public about redactions.
    • Potential guidance or recommendations to clarify exceptions, timelines, and documentation.
  • Potential consideration of best practices for public records requests and compliance with state public records laws.
  • A possible directive to report findings or recommendations back to the Legislature or a designated committee.

Who/What is Affected

  • Primary entity: Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy (the department responsible for energy resources and related policy).
  • Stakeholders potentially impacted:
    • Energy developers and operators seeking permits or proposing well sites.
    • Local governments and communities near proposed well locations.
    • Members of the public, journalists, researchers, and advocacy groups seeking access to site-location information.
    • State legislators and state agencies involved in energy policy and public records administration.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Procedure:
    • Referral to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment for review and consideration.
    • The bill is currently in a “lie over under the rules” status, indicating it may be discussed further before a vote, without immediate passage.
  • Timeline:
    • No specific deadline or timetable is provided in the available text; it reflects an initial step in the legislative process.
    • If advanced, a committee report or floor action would determine next steps for House consideration.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Policy impact: Could lead to clearer or revised departmental policies on redaction of well-site locations, potentially increasing transparency or modifying confidentiality standards.
  • Operational impact: May require the Department to adjust records management practices, develop guiding criteria, and publish a transparent framework for redactions and disclosures.
  • Public interest impact: Aims to clarify when site-location information is shielded from public access, which could affect public oversight, environmental scrutiny, and community planning.

Summary

HR 289 is a symbolic governance measure urging the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy to evaluate and potentially reform its policies on redacting proposed well-site locations. By directing a policy review, the resolution seeks to balance transparency with legitimate confidentiality concerns and to establish clear procedures for disclosures and redactions. The bill is in early committee stages and awaiting further action.

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

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