reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:414. Reallocation hearings; powers and duties of the assistant secretary; reports to the governor

RS 30:414 - Reallocation hearings; powers and duties of the assistant secretary; reports to the governor
A. Whenever there has been a failure to supply natural gas as a result of compulsory reallocation or curtailment procedures other than as provided for at R.S. 30:571 and R.S. 30:413, the assistant secretary shall call a public hearing pursuant to the Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act for the purpose of determining the reasons for the compulsory action, the sustained and impending harm to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the state as a result of the compulsory action, and the beneficiaries of the natural gas otherwise made available as a result of the compulsory action.
B. Evidence derived from the hearing shall be immediately made available to the governor for the purpose of determining the necessity of issuing emergency proclamations or orders, calling a special session of the legislature, or other action as may be necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the state, or to prevent the physical and economical waste of natural resources of the state.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 674, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:431. Liquefied petroleum gas emergency; declaration; duration

RS 30:431 - Liquefied petroleum gas emergency; declaration; duration
A. The governor of Louisiana is hereby authorized, for and on behalf of the state, to join with the governor of any other state in declaring a liquefied petroleum gas emergency. When the declaration is issued, trucks and operators carrying liquefied petroleum gas and meeting all certification, permit, and licensing requirements of the federal government and their home state shall be permitted to transport liquefied petroleum gas in and through Louisiana without obtaining any license, permit, or certification required by this state.
B. This exception and waiver of Louisiana licensing, permitting, and certification requirements regarding trucks and operators transporting liquefied petroleum gas shall be valid only during the period of the declared emergency.
Acts 1990, No. 240, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:501. Citation

RS 30:501 - Citation
The provisions of this Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Natural Resources and Energy Act of 1973.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:504. Division of Natural Resources and Energy

RS 30:504 - Division of Natural Resources and Energy
A. The commissioner shall establish in the State Department of Conservation a Division of Natural Resources and Energy through which he shall administer, enforce and carry out the powers, duties and functions transferred to him by Part II of this Chapter or otherwise vested in him by this Chapter.
B. All of the funds, property and other things, and persons and functions merged, consolidated and transferred by the provisions of Part II of this Chapter to the commissioner and/or the State Department of Conservation shall be in the Division of Natural Resources and Energy.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:521. Merger and consolidation of agencies or functions

RS 30:521 - Merger and consolidation of agencies or functions
A. In order to merge and consolidate into one agency, under authority of Section 32 of Article III of the Constitution of 1921, certain executive and administrative offices, boards, commissions and agencies of the state of Louisiana whose duties and functions are of a similar nature or character, the following named offices, boards, commissions and agencies are merged and consolidated into the State Department of Conservation:
(a) the natural gas committee or commission authorized by Act 395 of the 1972 Regular Session;1
(b) to (d). Repealed by Acts 1979, No. 449, §5, eff. Jan. 1, 1980.
B. Repealed by Acts 1979, No. 449, §5, eff. Jan. 1, 1980.
C. Except as otherwise provided herein, on and after April 1, 1974, the commissioner shall exercise those functions of the state, authorized by the state, or now or hereafter authorized by the constitution and laws to be exercised which relate to the administration, management and operation of the functions, programs and facilities of the offices, boards, commissions, and agencies hereby merged and consolidated, as well as the functions, powers, and duties transferred to the commissioner by Subsection B of this Section.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
1R.S. 30:401 et seq.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:522. Effect of transfer of functions

RS 30:522 - Effect of transfer of functions
A. Under the transfer of functions provided for by this Part, any pending or unfinished business of any of said agencies shall be taken over and be completed by the commissioner with the same power and authority as the agencies from which the functions are transferred. The commissioner shall be the successor in every way to the agencies from which such functions are transferred, and every act done by the commissioner in the exercise of such functions shall be deemed to have the same force and effect under any provisions of the constitution and laws in effect on and after the effective date of this Part as if done by the agencies from which such functions are transferred.
B. Whenever any agency from which functions are transferred hereby is referred to or designated by the constitution or by any law or contract or other document, such reference or designation shall be deemed to apply to the commissioner. The legislature hereby specifically states that the provisions of this Part are in no way and to no extent intended to nor shall they be construed in any manner which will impair the contractual obligations of any agency heretofore existing, or of the state of Louisiana with respect to any such agencies. It is hereby specifically provided that all such obligations hereafter shall be deemed to be the obligations of the commissioner to the same extent as if originally made by the commissioner. In like manner, and in order to prevent any violation of the provisions, terms or conditions of any gift, donation, deed, will, trust, or other instrument or disposition by which property of any nature or description has been vested in any agency affected by this merger, consolidation and transfer, or diversion from the purposes for which such property was donated, deeded, devised or bequeathed or otherwise vested in any such agency, it is hereby specifically provided that each and every such instrument or disposition hereafter shall be deemed to have been vested in the commissioner in the same manner and to the same extent as if originally so done. In addition, the provisions of this Part shall not be construed or applied in such manner as to prevent full compliance by the state or any agency thereof with the requirements of any Act of the Congress of the United States or any regulation made thereunder by any officer or agency of the federal government by which federal aid or other federal assistance from the United States has been or is hereafter made available to this state or any subdivision or agency thereof, anything contained in this Part to the contrary notwithstanding, and such compliance hereafter shall be accomplished by the commissioner.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:523. Transfer of records, money and equipment

RS 30:523 - Transfer of records, money and equipment
All books, paper, records, money, choses in action and other property of every kind and description, movable and immovable, real and personal, heretofore possessed, controlled or used by any of the agencies affected by this Part, in the exercise of functions hereby transferred, are hereby transferred to the State Department of Conservation.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:524. Commissioner or merged agencies as agency of state for accepting and expending federal funds and carrying out purposes of federal laws

RS 30:524 - Commissioner or merged agencies as agency of state for accepting and expending federal funds and carrying out purposes of federal laws
The commissioner is designated as the sole agency of the state for accepting, administering and expending any and all federal funds awarded or allocated to the state of Louisiana for any purpose covered by any provision of this Chapter and for carrying out the purposes of any federal law concerning any matter covered by the provisions of this Chapter; however, each of said agencies shall remain in existence as agencies within the Division of Natural Resources and Energy of the Department of Conservation and to the full extent required by any federal law or regulation shall serve as the agency of the state to accept federal funds and administer them in connection with their programs and functions as provided by law prior to this merger and consolidation.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:525. Transfer of employees

RS 30:525 - Transfer of employees
All employees heretofore engaged in the performance of duties in any agency in the exercise of functions transferred by this Part to the commissioner shall be transferred with such functions to State Department of Conservation to the full extent necessary to carry out the purposes of this Chapter and shall, so far as practicable and necessary, continue to perform the duties heretofore performed, subject to the state civil service laws and regulations and the laws and regulations governing the state employees retirement system.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:526. Orderly transfer

RS 30:526 - Orderly transfer
In order to effect an orderly transfer of the agencies and functions affected by this Part the following procedure shall be effected, to-wit:
(1) Not later than January 1, 1974, the governing authorities of each of the agencies herein merged, consolidated and transferred shall transmit to the governor, the commissioner of administration and the commissioner such information necessary to effect plans for such consolidation, merger and transfer as may be prescribed by the commissioner of administration, including but not limited to the following: (a) a complete list of all personnel, their salaries and job description, (b) a complete inventory of all furniture, fixtures and equipment of every kind and description whatsoever; (c) all financial and bookkeeping records; (d) a summary of all floor space in state office buildings or otherwise then being utilized.
(2) There then shall be prepared and transmitted to the governor and commissioner of administration a "transition plan for consolidation" not later than February 15, 1974. This plan shall include a detailed procedure for the consolidation and merger of offices and functions, including the transfer and utilization of jobs, personnel, funds, office space and equipment, and such other information as the governor may require. Said plan shall be used by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter in effectuating and implementing the purposes of this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:527. Effective date of merger, consolidation and transfer of functions: appropriations

RS 30:527 - Effective date of merger, consolidation and transfer of functions: appropriations
The merger, consolidation and transfer of functions provided for by this Part shall commence on March 1, 1974, and shall be completed on or before thirty days thereafter, and it is hereby specifically provided that when and as the merger, consolidation and transfer of functions is effectuated as to each of the boards, commissions, agencies, and entities affected by this Part, all funds then remaining to the credit of each from legislative appropriations, and any funds budgeted for or otherwise available to or for the benefit of any agency, institution, facility or program to carry out the functions herein consolidated, merged and transferred, shall follow the functions and activities herein transferred to the commissioner. Thereafter the disbursement of and the accountability for said funds shall be the responsibility of the commissioner.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:528. Agencies created at same session

RS 30:528 - Agencies created at same session
In the event that any other laws are enacted at this 1973 Extraordinary Session which create and provide for boards or other agencies charged with the functions of the administration, enforcement, management or operation of matters and facilities governed by this Chapter, each such board or agency and its functions are hereby merged, consolidated and transferred into the State Department of Conservation in the same manner and to the same extent as are the boards, commissions, agencies and offices enumerated in this Part, such merger, consolidation and transfer to be completed no later than April 1, 1974.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:541. General power; assistant secretary, requirements

RS 30:541 - General power; assistant secretary, requirements
To accomplish the purposes of this Chapter, the assistant secretary is authorized to:
(1) Employ such officers, agents, employees, and professional personnel, including legal counsel, as he deems necessary for the performance of his powers and duties and prescribe the powers and duties and fix the compensation of such officers, agents, employees, and professional personnel.
(2) Contract, upon such terms as he may agree upon, for legal, financial, engineering, and other professional services necessary or expedient in the conduct of the affairs of the office of conservation under the provisions of this Chapter; however, counsel retained by the assistant secretary to represent the interests of the state before the congress and the federal energy agencies and to advise the assistant secretary regarding the same shall not be deemed to be a public employee within the meaning of Chapter 15 of Title 42 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
(3) Utilize the services of the other executive departments of the state upon mutually agreeable terms and conditions.
(4) Receive, by gift, grant, donation, or otherwise, any sum of money, aid, or assistance from any person or the United States, its agencies, the state of Louisiana, or any political subdivision thereof.
(5) Do any and all things necessary or proper for the development, regulation, and accomplishment of the purposes of this Chapter.
(6) Repealed by Acts 1979, No. 449, §5, eff. Jan. 1, 1980.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 482, §1, eff. July 13, 1977; Acts 1985, No. 1015, §1, eff. July 24, 1985.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:542. Administration and enforcement

RS 30:542 - Administration and enforcement
A. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the provisions of R.S. 30:6, 30:8, 30:13, and 30:15 shall apply to the administration and enforcement of this Chapter.
B. The legal counsel employed or retained by the commissioner, when authorized by the commissioner, shall be entitled to represent the state and the commissioner and to appear in the courts and before agencies of this state or the agencies and courts of the United States and of other states, to carry out the purposes of this Chapter.
C. Whenever it appears to the commissioner that any person has engaged, is engaged, or is about to engage in any acts or practices constituting a violation of this Chapter or of any regulation, rule or order issued hereunder, the commissioner may bring an action in the court having jurisdiction, to enjoin such acts or practices and to enforce compliance with this Chapter or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, and upon a proper showing a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction shall be granted without bond. The relief sought may include a mandatory injunction commanding any person to comply with this Chapter or any such regulation, rule or order issued hereunder, and to make restitution of money received in violation of any such regulation, rule or order. The commissioner may transmit such evidence as may be available concerning such acts or practices or concerning apparent violations to the district attorney having jurisdiction over same who, in his discretion, may institute necessary criminal proceedings.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:543. Suit by party in interest upon commissioner's failure to sue

RS 30:543 - Suit by party in interest upon commissioner's failure to sue
If the commissioner fails to bring suit within ten days to restrain a violation as provided in Subsection C of R.S. 30:542 any person in interest adversely affected by the violation who has notified the commissioner in writing of the violation or threat thereof and has requested the commissioner to sue, may bring suit to prevent any or further violations, in the district court of any parish in which the commissioner could have brought suit. If the court holds that injunctive relief should be granted, the commissioner shall be made a party and shall be substituted for the person who brought the suit and the injunction shall be issued as if the commissioner had at all times been the complaining party.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:544. Violation; penalties, civil and criminal

RS 30:544 - Violation; penalties, civil and criminal
A.(1) Any person who shall be determined by the assistant secretary, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to have violated any provision of this Chapter or any rule, regulation, or order promulgated or issued under this Chapter shall be liable to the office of conservation for a civil penalty not to exceed two hundred thousand dollars for each violation for each day that the violation persists, except that the maximum civil penalty shall not exceed two million dollars for any related series of violations.
(2) The amount of the penalty shall be assessed by the assistant secretary by written notice.
(3) In determining the amount of the penalty, the assistant secretary shall consider the nature, circumstances, and gravity of the violation and, with respect to the person found to have committed the violation, the degree of culpability, any history of prior violations, the effect on ability to continue to do business, any good faith in attempting to achieve compliance, ability to pay the penalty, and such other matters as justice may require.
B. The legal counsel employed or retained by the assistant secretary may recover the assessed civil penalty by bringing action against the person so assessed in the court having jurisdiction. The assistant secretary may compromise the civil penalty.
C. Any person who willfully and knowingly violates this Chapter or any rule, regulation, or order issued under this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be subject for each offense to a fine of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, for each violation.
Acts 1990, No. 599, §1, eff. July 19, 1990; Acts 2018, No. 57, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:545. Noncompliance not excused by contractual obligations

RS 30:545 - Noncompliance not excused by contractual obligations
Noncompliance with the provisions of this Chapter, or with rules, regulations, or orders issued by the commissioner under this Chapter may not be excused on the basis of any private contractual obligation. No person who complies with the provisions of this Chapter or with the rules, regulations or orders of the commissioner issued under this Chapter shall be liable in damages either ex contractu or ex delicto by reason of such compliance.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:547. Extraction of ethane and heavier hydrocarbons not prohibited; not regulated as natural gas

RS 30:547 - Extraction of ethane and heavier hydrocarbons not prohibited; not regulated as natural gas
The commissioner shall not have the authority to prohibit the extraction of ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from natural gas, nor shall these hydrocarbons be regulated as intrastate natural gas under this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:548. Exercise of powers

RS 30:548 - Exercise of powers
The assistant secretary of conservation shall exercise his powers so as to provide, under the priorities hereinafter set forth, to the maximum extent practicable, for:
(1) Protection of public health, safety, and welfare (including maintenance of hospitals, juvenile and adult correctional institutions, nursing homes, dormitories, hotels, motels, and residential heating, such as individual homes, apartments, and similar occupied dwelling units);
(2) Maintenance of agricultural operations, and the processing of agricultural products, including farming, ranching, dairy, water conservation and commercial fishing activities, and services directly related thereto, and maintenance of food processing plants, businesses and facilities processing products for human consumption;
(3) Operations and encouragement of exploration, production, processing, and refining efforts to attain maximum production or extraction of oil, intrastate natural gas and other hydrocarbons;
(4) Maintenance of all public services (including facilities and services provided by municipal, cooperative, or investor owned utilities or by any state or local government or authority, and including transportation facilities and services which serve the public at large);
(5) Maintenance of commercial and industrial, business, plant and facility operations, particularly to minimize economic dislocation of business, and industry, and employment therein;
(6) Preservation of an economically sound and competitive petroleum, petro-chemical and chemical industry;
(7) Assistance to private industry in obtaining the most efficient and safe transportation of intrastate natural gas from the sources of supply and reserves to the different parts of the state through intrastate pipelines, regardless of the ownership of the intrastate pipelines, to obtain maximum utilization of all existing intrastate pipelines within the state of Louisiana, the intent of this Chapter being to encourage, direct, mandate and enforce the use of excess capacity of intrastate pipelines to foster the movement of intrastate gas about the state of Louisiana.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M. Amended by Acts 1974, No. 501, §2; Acts 1977, No. 547, §1, eff. July 15, 1977.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:549. Accounting

RS 30:549 - Accounting
The commissioner shall be empowered to promulgate and enforce a uniform system of accounting by intrastate natural gas transporters, where deemed advisable by the commissioner, to assure that intrastate natural gas transporters accurately report the results of their operations thereby facilitating rate regulations in those instances where the commissioner is called upon to establish reasonable rates for the transportation and sale of gas.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:550. Compilation and publication of information by commissioner

RS 30:550 - Compilation and publication of information by commissioner
The commissioner shall be empowered to gather, analyze, maintain, and publish information on intrastate natural gas pipelines and producers, transporters, distributors, and users of intrastate natural gas and may serve as a clearinghouse to provide information to users of natural gas regarding the availability of supplies of natural gas.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 539, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:552. Regulation by commissioner of gas transporter exempt from FPC

RS 30:552 - Regulation by commissioner of gas transporter exempt from FPC
The commissioner shall have the power and authority to regulate the rates, services and facilities of any person certified as an intrastate natural gas transporter, and the commissioner, or his delegate, may certify to the Federal Power Commission that the commissioner has regulatory jurisdiction over the rates and services of such person and facilities and is exercising such jurisdiction, with the intent that such certificate shall constitute conclusive evidence of such regulatory power or jurisdiction as permitted by 15 U.S.C.A. Section 717(c).
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:556. Lease and sublease of pipelines by commissioner

RS 30:556 - Lease and sublease of pipelines by commissioner
To encourage the construction, expansion, improvement or betterment of intrastate natural gas pipelines, particularly pipelines and related facilities necessary, incidental or useful to the connection of existing intrastate natural gas pipeline systems with gas producing wells or gas fields, gas wells or gas fields capable of producing gas in commercial quantities, and to assist in the gathering of either private "in-kind" royalty or state-owned "in-kind" royalty, or both, the commissioner may lease from any person, firm, corporation, partnership or association, under the best terms and conditions as the commissioner may be able to prudently negotiate, a pipeline system or systems, or parts thereof, presently existing or hereinafter being built, including pipelines, pumps, storage and all other facilities, structures, and projects incidental, necessary or useful in the production, transportation, distribution and delivery of intrastate natural gas and hydrocarbons, which, in the judgment of the commissioner may provide necessary facilities to make available supplies of intrastate natural gas to the residents, commercial businesses, and/or industries of Louisiana. The commissioner may also sublease to any person any pipeline which he may so acquire, upon the best terms and conditions as the commissioner may be able to prudently negotiate, including a rental based upon a scheduled payment to be made for each 1000 cubic feet of gas transported through the subleased line in amounts determined by the commissioner to reasonably assure payment of the rental under the lease from the anticipated supply of gas to be transported during the term of the lease. The commissioner is not authorized to enter into a lease as authorized herein until he has first determined that no other pipeline is or will be available to transport the particular supply of intrastate natural gas in question to the residents, commercial businesses, and/or industries of Louisiana, for the reason that this special power of the commissioner is to be utilized only for the purpose of making available to the residents, commercial businesses and/or industries of Louisiana supplies of intrastate natural gas which might otherwise not be made available for production and distribution or which might otherwise not be available for input into the intrastate pipeline distribution or transportation systems within the state of Louisiana.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:559. Registration and information required by the assistant secretary

RS 30:559 - Registration and information required by the assistant secretary
A. The assistant secretary may prescribe rules and regulations requiring that all persons operating, managing, or otherwise administering natural gas transmission pipelines or natural gas transmission pipeline companies register with the assistant secretary.
B. It is declared that the business of transporting natural gas in or through the state of Louisiana is affected with a public interest and that state regulation of matters relating to the transportation of said natural gas is necessary in the public interest to conserve natural resources of the state and to prevent physical and economical waste.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter or any other law to the contrary, the assistant secretary may promulgate and enforce rules and regulations relative to natural gas transmission pipeline safety, including requirements for the performance of periodic hydrostatic pressure tests to confirm or revise maximum allowable operating pressures.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 661, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:560. Pipeline safety inspection fees

RS 30:560 - Pipeline safety inspection fees
A. As used in this Section:
(1) "Distributor" means any person engaged in the transportation, distribution, or delivery of jurisdictional gas.
(2) "Jurisdictional gas" means natural gas, flammable gas, or gas which is toxic or corrosive.
B. There is hereby imposed upon all distributors of jurisdictional gas who own and operate any jurisdictional gas distribution system that comes under the supervision of the assistant secretary pursuant to R.S. 30:551(B) an annual safety and odorization inspection fee not to exceed one dollar per service line, or four hundred dollars per pipeline facility, whichever is greater. The commissioner shall annually review the fee amount and may revise it in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
C. There is hereby imposed upon all distributors of jurisdictional gas who own or operate any jurisdictional gas gathering or transmission system that comes under the supervision of the assistant secretary pursuant to R.S. 30:551(B) an annual safety inspection fee not to exceed forty-four dollars and eighty cents per mile of pipeline used in a jurisdictional gas pipeline system, or eight hundred dollars per pipeline facility, whichever is greater. The commissioner shall annually review the fee amount and may revise it in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
D. The annual inspection fees imposed by this Section are for the purpose of enforcing the natural gas pipeline safety standards and practice required by this Chapter and regulations promulgated thereunder. All fees collected by the commissioner shall be reasonably related to the services provided and shall be used by the office of conservation solely for the purposes of that program.
Acts 1985, No. 250, §2, eff. July 6, 1985; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 86, §1; Acts 2003, No. 879, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2004, No. 223, §1; Acts 2016, No. 435, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:561. Collection of inspection fees

RS 30:561 - Collection of inspection fees
A. The annual fees imposed by R.S. 30:560 shall be paid to the office of conservation no later than January fifteenth of each year on forms to be prescribed by the commissioner of conservation.
B. If any person fails to pay the fees imposed by R.S. 30:560, the commissioner of conservation may proceed to enforce the collection thereof by utilizing the remedies and procedures set forth in Chapter 1 of this Subtitle, specifically including any authority to obtain and audit information and authority to impose interest and penalties.
C. All money received or collected by the commissioner of conservation under R.S. 30:560 and this Section shall be deposited immediately upon receipt in the state treasury and shall be credited to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Dedicated Fund Account.
Acts 1985, No. 250, §2, eff. July 6, 1985; Acts 1992, No. 984, §9; Acts 1997, No. 658, §2; Acts 2003, No. 879, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2021, No. 114, §18, eff. July 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:571. Establishment, promulgation and implementation of plan

RS 30:571 - Establishment, promulgation and implementation of plan
The governor of Louisiana shall have the authority pursuant to the police powers granted him by the constitution of this state, from time to time to declare a state of emergency as a result of extreme shortages of existing intrastate natural gas for human needs pursuant to Paragraphs (a) through (e) of Subsection (1) of R.S. 30:572. In connection therewith, as soon as practicable, the commissioner shall establish and promulgate a plan for statewide emergency intrastate natural gas conservation, allocation or rationing, which shall be implemented and enforced by the commissioner under controls and enforcement procedures hereinafter provided. The plan shall remain in effect as implemented and changed from time to time by the commissioner, until the governor, by proclamation, shall declare that a state energy emergency no longer exists. The plan shall maintain, preserve and protect all vital services in the state depending upon intrastate natural gas and, to the extent deemed practicable by the commissioner, shall provide for the curtailment of unnecessary and lesser priority uses of intrastate natural gas.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:573. Application of priorities; exceptions

RS 30:573 - Application of priorities; exceptions
The priorities of end-use deliveries set forth above shall be applied to the deliveries to all intrastate natural gas transporters during periods of curtailment on each transporter's system; except, however, that, upon a finding of extraordinary circumstances by the commissioner, exceptions to those priorities may be permitted.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:574. Curtailment orders

RS 30:574 - Curtailment orders
A. The commissioner is empowered to require intrastate natural gas transporters to curtail delivery of intrastate natural gas in conformance with the priorities for use of intrastate natural gas set forth in R.S. 30:572, and the commissioner shall be empowered to promulgate and enforce supply curtailment programs.
B. Notwithstanding the priorities for use of intrastate natural gas set forth in R.S. 30:572, the curtailment of deliveries of intrastate natural gas shall be accomplished by order by the commissioner whenever he determines that such curtailment is necessary in order to accomplish the purposes of this Chapter, provided that no such order for the curtailment, allocation, or redistribution of intrastate natural gas shall be issued by the commissioner unless and until the governor declares an extreme state of emergency pursuant to R.S. 30:571.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:575. Curtailment of lower priority before curtailment of higher priority

RS 30:575 - Curtailment of lower priority before curtailment of higher priority
The above list of priorities requires the full curtailment of the lower priority category volumes to be accomplished before curtailment of any higher priority volume is commenced, unless the commissioner finds exceptions to be in the public interest. Additionally, the above list required both the direct and indirect customers of a pipeline that use intrastate natural gas for similar purposes to be placed in the same category of priority.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:575.1. Deliveries not to be reduced more than ten per cent

RS 30:575.1 - Deliveries not to be reduced more than ten per cent
Any other provisions of this Chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, no daily allocation, curtailment or priority of intrastate natural gas shall result in a reduction of more than ten per cent of the maximum daily quantity of intrastate natural gas contracted to be delivered to a purchaser under any contract existing on the effective date of this Chapter, or to natural gas not in excess of 25,000,000 cubic feet of natural gas per day owned by a person at or near the field where produced and transported by said person through his own pipe line for his own consumption not in excess of 25,000,000 cubic feet of natural gas per day. This exception shall not apply to contracts for the purchase of gas hereafter executed. The price to be charged by the intrastate natural gas transporter to any person receiving reallocated natural gas shall be the arithmetic average of the price of intrastate natural gas delivered or deliverable pursuant to contracts entered into in the state of Louisiana within ninety days prior to such reallocation, and in the event that no such contract has been executed during that period, then the price shall be based upon similar contracts entered into within one hundred eighty days prior to such reallocation, but in no event shall such price be less than the price stipulated in such contract. Such allocation made pursuant to this Section shall be redistributed and only to those persons purchasing intrastate natural gas for use within priorities one through five as set forth in Paragraphs (a) through (e) inclusive of Subsection (1) of R.S. 30:572.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:575.2. Amendments of existing contracts; effects

RS 30:575.2 - Amendments of existing contracts; effects
If a contract for the sale of intrastate natural gas existing on December 8, 1973 is thereafter amended in any respect, such amendment or amendments shall not subject such contracts to any greater degree of curtailment than if such contracts had not been amended subsequent to December 8, 1973, unless the effect of such amendment or amendments is to increase the volume of intrastate natural gas contracted to be delivered to the purchaser under such contract. If any such amendment has the effect of increasing the volume of intrastate natural gas to be delivered to the purchaser under the contract, the provisions of R.S. 30:575.1 shall continue to apply to the volume of gas contracted for as of December 8, 1973, and shall continue to apply until the volume of gas contracted for as of December 8, 1973, has been delivered but shall not apply to the amount by which the volume of gas is increased over that volume.
Added by Acts 1974, No. 637, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:576. Change in priorities; hearings

RS 30:576 - Change in priorities; hearings
The commissioner shall prescribe the rules of order or procedure in hearings or other proceedings to be held in relation to this emergency gas shortage allocation plan. No change in the above listed priorities for allocation or rationing shall be accomplished by the commissioner, in the absence of a serious immediate emergency, except after a public hearing upon at least ten days' notice given in the form and manner and at a time and place prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may in his discretion designate a member of his staff to conduct public hearings in his behalf. Any person having an interest in the subject matter of the hearing shall be entitled to be heard.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:577. Change in priorities without hearing; emergency

RS 30:577 - Change in priorities without hearing; emergency
A. If the commissioner finds an emergency to exist which in his judgment requires a change in the above priorities for allocation or rationing of intrastate natural gas, without first having a hearing, his emergency order providing for such a change shall remain in force no longer than thirty days from its effective date, unless the commissioner had been physically unable to hold or complete public hearings on the matter by reason of the pressure of multiple public hearings being sought in such matters, in which event, the emergency order shall remain in effect until such time as the commissioner can physically conduct a hearing on the problem. However, such hearing in any case must be held within a maximum period of 120 days or such order will automatically expire. In any event, the emergency order shall expire when a rule, regulation or order made after notice and hearing with respect to the same subject matter becomes effective.
B. Any interested person directly affected by any curtailment procedures, rules, regulations or orders of the commissioner relating to the emergency gas shortage allocation plan has the right to request the commissioner to call a hearing for the purpose of taking action in respect to such matter by making a request thereof in writing. Upon receiving the request, the commissioner shall as soon as the physical circumstances of the commissioner will permit, considering especially pending hearings and requests for hearings, call a hearing. After the hearing, and with all convenient speed, and in any event within thirty days after the conclusion of the hearing, the commissioner shall take whatever action he deems appropriate with regard to the subject matter. In the event of failure or refusal of the commissioner to issue an order within the period of thirty days, he may be compelled to do so by mandamus at the suit of any interested persons.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:578. Results contrary to intent of plan; hardship cases

RS 30:578 - Results contrary to intent of plan; hardship cases
A. If the results of some aspects of the emergency gas shortage allocation plan promulgated by the commissioner are contrary to its stated intent, the person affected may request the commissioner to grant an exception on the basis of unintended results.
B. Notwithstanding the procedures set forth above, the commissioner shall possess express authority to alter the emergency gas shortage allocation plan as to individual situations in order to alleviate exceptional hardship cases in the event of serious immediate emergencies.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:579. Discrimination by suppliers prohibited

RS 30:579 - Discrimination by suppliers prohibited
A. No supplier shall discriminate against any purchaser by failing to make allocations as described under the emergency gas shortage allocation plan, or under any rules, regulation or order issued pursuant thereto, or by imposing terms or conditions on sales upon any single purchaser other than those imposed upon all other purchasers at an equivalent level of trade, except as may be lawful and normal in general practice.
B. It is the intent of this Section that suppliers shall deal with the purchasers of intrastate natural gas supplies under the priority allocation plan provided for by this Part and as it may be changed from time to time by the commissioner. The emergency gas shortage allocation plan shall not be construed to require intrastate natural gas suppliers to sell to others who do not arrange proper credit or payment for products. However, a supplier may not require or impose discriminatorily more stringent credit terms or payment schedules on purchasers of intrastate natural gas supplies than the supplier's normal business practice during the first half of 1972.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:580. Prohibitions; bonded indebtedness of political subdivisions

RS 30:580 - Prohibitions; bonded indebtedness of political subdivisions
Notwithstanding any provision of law or this Chapter to the contrary, no existing contract, agreement or understanding for the delivery and sale of intrastate natural gas involving a parish, municipality or other political subdivision, shall be altered, amended or changed by any action, order or directive of the commissioner or any provision hereof if the effect thereof reduces or could reduce the allocation of natural gas to be delivered or sold thereby below the allocation necessary to generate sufficient revenues to pay the debt-service requirements of any bonds of a parish, municipality or other political subdivision.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973, at 9:55 A.M.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 30 - Minerals, Oil, and Gas and Environmental Quality › §30:591. Definition

RS 30:591 - Definition
As used in this Part, unless otherwise clearly indicated, the following term has the meaning ascribed to it below:
(1) "Natural gas company" means a person engaged in the production or sale of intrastate natural gas.
Added by Acts 1973, Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, emerg. eff. Dec. 8, 1973 at 9:55 A.M.