WATER QUALITY: Creates a joint legislative committee to study and make recommendations relative to the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin.

SLS 26RS-268 ENGROSSED
2026 Regular Session
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29
BY SENATOR KLEINPETER
WATER QUALITY. Creates a joint legislative committee to study and make
recommendations relative to the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin.
1 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
2 To create and provide with respect to a joint legislative committee to study and make
3 recommendations with respect to the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin.
4 WHEREAS, the Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in North America and
5 a vital ecological, economic, and cultural resource for the state of Louisiana; and
6 WHEREAS, the basin serves as a critical floodway for the Mississippi River system
7 and plays an essential role in flood control, water storage, and sediment distribution within
8 the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System; and
9 WHEREAS, the basin provides essential habitat for fish, wildlife, migratory birds,
10 and aquatic species, and supports significant commercial and recreational fisheries that
11 contribute to the economy and heritage of Louisiana; and
12 WHEREAS, the Atchafalaya Basin has experienced substantial sediment
13 accumulation over many decades due to natural river processes and human alterations of the
14 Mississippi River system, including channelization, levee construction, dredging, and
15 operation of flood control structures; and
16 WHEREAS, large quantities of sediment carried by the Mississippi and Red Rivers
17 are diverted into the Atchafalaya Basin through the Old River Control Structure and other
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
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SLS 26RS-268 ENGROSSED
1 hydraulic features of the flood control system; and
2 WHEREAS, the accumulation of sediment in the basin has contributed to reduced
3 water depths, impaired water circulation, and the formation of spoil banks and sediment
4 deposits that restrict natural hydrologic connectivity; and
5 WHEREAS, reduced water flow and increased sedimentation can degrade water
6 quality, increase stagnation, alter nutrient dynamics, and contribute to the loss of aquatic
7 habitat; and
8 WHEREAS, these changes may adversely affect fish populations and the
9 productivity of commercial fisheries, including crawfish and finfish, as well as recreational
10 fishing opportunities relied upon by residents and visitors; and
11 WHEREAS, the continued accumulation of sediment within the basin may also affect
12 flood conveyance capacity, navigation channels, and the long-term ecological sustainability
13 of the Atchafalaya Basin; and
14 WHEREAS, a comprehensive review of sediment sources, transport mechanisms,
15 and basin management strategies is necessary to develop effective solutions to reduce
16 sediment inputs and restore water flow and ecological function within the basin.
17 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
18 create a joint legislative committee to study the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin to
19 include the causes and effects of sediment accumulation in the Atchafalaya Basin and
20 Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System, to evaluate impacts on water flow, water quality,
21 habitat, and commercial and recreational fisheries, and to recommend strategies to reduce
22 sediment entering the basin and to remove accumulated sediment to restore ecological and
23 hydrological function.
24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the joint legislative committee created herein
25 shall be composed of members of the Senate who represent Districts 17, 21, and 22 and
26 members of the House of Representatives who represent Districts 18, 46, 50, 60 and 96.
27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the president of the Senate shall name one of the
28 Senate members of the committee as the chairperson for the limited purpose of calling the
29 first meeting, and at the first meeting, the members shall elect a chairman and other officers
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
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1 as the joint committee may deem appropriate.
2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for purposes of this study the joint legislative
3 committee shall have all powers otherwise provided by law and by the rules of the respective
4 houses, as well as all powers inherent in legislative committees and that the members thereof
5 shall receive the per diem and mileage provided for committees by the rules of the respective
6 house.
7 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the joint committee shall receive staff support
8 from the committee staff of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House
9 Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
10 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting this study the joint committee may
11 request data, technical assistance, and recommendations from state and federal agencies,
12 academic institutions, and stakeholders involved in the management of the Atchafalaya
13 Basin and will seek input and advice from the following:
14 1. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
15 2. The Department of Conservation and Energy.
16 3. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
17 4. The Department of Environmental Quality.
18 5. The United States Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District.
19 6. Commercial fishing interests in the Atchafalaya Basin.
20 7. Recreational fishing interests in the Atchafalaya Basin.
21 8. Hydrologist and sediment transport experts from Louisiana public universities.
22 9. Landowners and local governments within the Atchafalaya Basin.
23 10. Atchafalaya Basin Keeper.
24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the committee shall constitute a
25 quorum for the transaction of business and all official actions of the committee shall require
26 the affirmative vote of a majority of the members.
27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the joint committee shall submit a written report
28 of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislative or administrative
29 actions, to the legislature and to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library no later
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
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SLS 26RS-268 ENGROSSED
1 than April 1, 2027, and may submit supplemental reports as deemed necessary.
2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the joint committee shall terminate on January
3 11, 2028.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Senate Legislative Services.
The keyword, summary, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof
or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
DIGEST
SCR 29 Engrossed 2026 Regular Session Kleinpeter
Creates a joint legislative committee to study and make recommendations relative to the
water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin, including the causes and effects of sediment
accumulation and its impacts on hydrology, habitat, and fisheries.
Provides that the joint legislative committee shall be composed of specified members of the
Senate and House of Representatives representing designated legislative districts and that
the president of the Senate shall designate a Senate member to call the first meeting, after
which the committee shall elect its officers.
Provides that the committee shall have the powers otherwise provided by law and legislative
rules, that members shall receive per diem and mileage, and that staff support shall be
provided by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on
Natural Resources and Environment.
Authorizes the committee to request data, technical assistance, and recommendations from
specified state and federal agencies, academic institutions, stakeholders, and other interested
parties involved in the management of the Atchafalaya Basin.
Requires the committee to submit a written report of findings and recommendations,
including any proposed legislative or administrative actions, to the legislature and the David
R. Poynter Legislative Research Library not later than April 1, 2027, and authorizes
supplemental reports as needed.
Provides that the joint legislative committee shall terminate on January 11, 2028.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Natural Resources to
the original bill
1. Make technical changes.
2. Adds Atchafalaya Basin Keeper to the list of organizations to provide input
to the committee.
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.