WATER/RESOURCES: Urges and requests the Department of Conservation and Energy to study the establishment of groundwater conservation districts for the Chicot, Southern Hills, and Mississippi aquifer systems

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Denise Marcelle

Urges the DCE to study and report on the feasibility and design of groundwater conservation districts for three aquifers, to improve allocation, management, and oversight.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

Overview

bill type: House Resolution (HR 315)

Session: 2026 Regular Session, Louisiana

Sponsors: Representative Denise Marcelle (primary), co-sponsor

Purpose: Urges and requests the Department of Conservation and Energy to study the establishment of groundwater conservation districts for three aquifer systems (Chicot, Southern Hills, and Mississippi) and to report findings to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment before the 2027 Regular Session.

Main purpose and intent

The resolution aims to prompt a formal study by the Department of Conservation and Energy (DCE) regarding the feasibility and design of groundwater conservation districts for specified aquifers.

It seeks to ensure oversight and consideration of how groundwater is allocated, managed, and priced for various uses, with the ultimate goal of improving statewide groundwater governance and preventing overuse or degradation.

Key provisions and changes

Direction to study: DCE is urged to study the establishment of groundwater conservation districts for:

Chicot aquifer
Southern Hills aquifer
Mississippi aquifer systems

Report requirement: DCE must submit a written report of its findings to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.

Timeline: The report should be provided prior to the convening of the 2027 Regular Session of the Legislature.

Scope of study (as described in the resolution):

Consider current and future uses of groundwater in Louisiana, including municipal, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and other uses.
Assess how water allocation and costs are currently managed and overseen.
Evaluate whether groundwater conservation districts could be utilized to improve management and oversight.

Stakeholders and potential affected parties

Public water users: Municipalities, industries, farmers, and recreational users relying on groundwater from the Chicot, Southern Hills, and Mississippi aquifer systems.

State agencies: Department of Conservation and Energy (primary) and the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment (receiving the report).

General public: Aims to protect public welfare by ensuring sustainable and beneficial use of groundwater resources.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative action: HRs are non-binding resolutions that express the sentiment or guidance of the House. This resolution does not create new law but requests action by a state agency.

Reporting timeline: Written findings due before the 2027 Regular Session.

Transmission: A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Energy.

Potential impact and implications

The study could lay groundwork for future policy options, including the creation and governance of groundwater conservation districts.

Results could influence statewide water management planning, especially in the absence of a comprehensive statewide water management plan noted in prior audits.

If a groundwater conservation district model is found viable, it could lead to new regulatory structures, allocation frameworks, and potential funding mechanisms for groundwater management.

Summary

HR 315 requests the DCE to evaluate the feasibility and structure of groundwater conservation districts for three major aquifer systems and to report its findings to the Legislature’s Natural Resources and Environment Committee by early 2027. The resolution emphasizes addressing municipal, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and other uses, as well as how water is allocated and managed, to improve oversight and protect public welfare.