The House Natural Resources Committee of the Louisiana Legislature convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss two significant bills aimed at addressing flood management in the Amite River Basin. The primary focus was on House Bill 165, introduced by Representative Edmonson, which seeks to remove the January 1, 2026, deadline for the Amite River Basin Commission (ARBC) to establish watershed management regulations.

During the meeting, Edmonson emphasized that the bill does not eliminate the requirement for the ARBC to create these regulations but rather provides the necessary time to fulfill this mandate. Paul Sawyer, the executive director of the ARBC, explained that the commission is currently overwhelmed with other obligations, including annual and master plans, and lacks adequate funding to meet the existing deadline. He urged the committee for more time to ensure the regulations are developed properly.

The committee members expressed support for the bill, highlighting the importance of collaboration among the seven parishes affected by flooding in the region. Representative Mack praised the efforts of the ARBC and the cooperation among local leaders in addressing flooding issues.

The second bill discussed, House Bill 172, also introduced by Edmonson, aims to extend the exemption of the Comite River from certain provisions of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act. This extension is intended to facilitate necessary flood mitigation work on Bayou Manchaca, which has been overdue for decades. Edmonson noted the personal significance of this legislation, as he was among those affected by the 2016 floods.

While the committee heard supportive testimonies from local officials, opposition was voiced by representatives from environmental organizations, including the Nature Conservancy and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. They argued that the exemptions could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased flooding and ecological degradation, and emphasized that existing permitting processes could address flood management needs without removing protections.

Despite the concerns raised, the committee ultimately moved to report House Bill 165 favorably, indicating a commitment to providing the ARBC with the time and flexibility needed to address the pressing flood management challenges in the Amite River Basin. The discussion highlighted the ongoing struggle to balance flood mitigation efforts with environmental protections, a challenge that continues to resonate in Louisiana's legislative landscape.