The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) released the latest draft report outlining a reorganization for natural resource management in the state as directed by Governor Jeff Landry through his Executive Order JML 24-13 issued in February.
The Departmental Review for Innovative and Visionary Enhancement (DRIVE) was initiated through the executive order to review how natural resources, including coastal activities, were being managed and suggest changes that might bring improvements. The ultimate goal, as stated in the executive order, “is to outline a roadmap for restructuring existing agencies and governmental bodies to enhance the management of Louisiana’s natural resource, energy, waters, and coastal restoration activities.”
The first draft that outlines a framework for changes was released in September and generated a number of comments with concerns including the potential that the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CRPA), the organization in charge of the state’s massive coastal restoration program, would be subsumed by DENR. It was a confusing document that tended to lead to more questions than answers, but authors assured stakeholders that details would be provided in a subsequent report.
That report was released earlier this month with comments due Nov. 30, 2024 and there are a number of changes to what the public saw a couple months ago, including a suggested name change for the department to Department of Energy and Conservation.
While there are more details provided on some aspects of the suggested DENR reorganization, discussions of how CPRA and the suggested formation of a non-coastal flood management organization called Upland Resources Management Authority (URMA) would be incorporated are scarce. There is an entire page dedicated to “Developing a Proactive Approach to an Innovative Culture,” but there is no equal emphasis on how some of the major changes such as the development of URMA or the integration of CPRA are expected to unfold. Louisiana Wildlife Federation sent in comments on the newest draft on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.
Some other LWF concerns include:
- The newly formed Natural Resources Commission (previously called the Steering Committee), which is expected to have some oversight of CPRA and URMA includes seven members in the most recent draft (instead of five), but still would include no representation from CPRA or other coastal entity.
- While the draft suggests expanding the Red River Waterways Commission to take over the administration of URMA, the non-coastal flood protection agency that would be formed, it is unclear how this would unfold.
- The draft states URMA would be funded through $20 million in general fund money. However, it’s unclear if this money would come from another department or new money from the general fund.
- While the document talks about nuclear energy, the only mention of wind, solar, or other renewables is one sentence talking about the need for the eventual decommissioning of power-generating infrastructure. Currently, there are billions being invested in Louisiana’s renewable energy fields and it is a growth of Louisiana’s energy sector that has many in the state excited. This omission of renewable energy management appears to miss a large sector of current investment in the state.
- There are a lot of admirable changes for DENR included in the report such as streamlining operations, job descriptions that focus on duties rather than compliance, and restructuring the department’s culture. However, there is little to no clarity on how the vital services of coastal restoration and protection as well as upland flood management will be operated.
- Time after time, the organization and effectiveness of CPRA has been lauded by DENR and DRIVE initiative leadership. Louisiana deserves better details on how this celebrated and successful state authority will continue to provide millions and even billions in restoration and protection for our state. The work of CPRA benefits the entire state through protection of working communities, fishing interests, natural resource development, and of course the protection and restoration of Louisiana’s coastal Sportsman’s Paradise legacy.
Comments on the outline for the proposed restructuring of DENR can be directed to clay.parker@la.gov and driveinitiative@la.gov and must be received by Nov. 30, 2024.
Additional information
Link to the new DRIVE report here https://gov.louisiana.gov/assets/2024-Extras/DENR/DENR-Report-Outline-DRAFT-11.1.24.pdf
All of the previous DRIVE documents, including comments received, is located here https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/form/home/52
Links to LWF’s previous comments about the DRIVE Initiative:
https://lawildlifefed.org/2024/07/lwf-weighs-in-on-proposed-reorganization-of-ldenr/