NATURAL RESOURCES DEPT: Urges and requests the Department of Conservation and Energy to study the implementation of gravel surface mining reclamation and conservation

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robby Carter

directs a study to determine if Louisiana should enact gravel mining reclamation and conservation laws, including post-mining land use, restoration, and setbacks.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.

Summary of Bill HR 314 (2026, Louisiana)

Purpose and intent

House Resolution 314 urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy to study whether gravel surface mining reclamation and conservation laws should be enacted.

The Department is asked to prepare and submit a written report detailing its findings to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment before the 2027 Regular Session convenes.

Key provisions and changes proposed

No immediate regulatory changes or new laws are created by HR 314 itself. Instead, the resolution directs an study by the Department of Conservation and Energy.

The study should evaluate the potential need for statutory processes related to:

Identifying planned post-mining land use.
Removal of equipment and facilities after mining ends.
Grading or filling the site after mining operations cease.
Revegetation requirements for the mined area.
Setbacks or distance requirements from residential areas, roads, and rivers.

Who or what would be affected

The study would impact gravel surface mining operations within Louisiana by informing potential future legislation.

If the Legislature acts on the study’s recommendations, gravel mining operators, landowners, and local communities could be subject to new reclamation, restoration, and setback requirements.

State agencies: Department of Conservation and Energy would conduct the study and report findings; the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment would receive and review the report.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The resolution directs the Department to study the issue and submit a written report to the specified House committee.

Deadline: prior to the convening of the 2027 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.

Status: Read by title as of May 20, 2026; introduced by Rep. Robby Carter (co-sponsor noted).

Practical considerations

This is a pre-legislation study directive, meaning no new laws are enacted at this time.

The outcome could inform potential future statutory gravel surface mining reclamation and conservation laws, including procedural steps for post-mining land use, site restoration, and environmental safeguards.

The emphasis is on balancing mining activity with protections for land, water resources, habitat, and community safety and aesthetics (e.g., erosion control, water quality, and compatibility with nearby land uses).