Bill could hobble Louisiana’s law clinics
The Associated Press. May 10, 2010.
BATON ROUGE La.—Law clinics at universities across Louisiana fear a state senator’s proposal could force them to close, leaving their impoverished clients without free legal services in cases ranging from child support to water pollution.
Sen. Robert Adley, R-Benton, said he’s heard those concerns and plans to put limits on the legislation, when the proposal gets its first hearing next week.
Both sides acknowledge the measure is aimed at the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, which Adley and business lobbyists say has driven jobs from the state. The clinic’s supporters argue its lawyers help community groups hold state and federal regulators accountable, to make sure they comply with pollution laws.
As it now stands, the bill scheduled for a May 19 hearing in the Senate Commerce Committee would prevent all university law clinics from challenging government agencies in court, suing individuals for damages or making constitutional claims. That would limit access to justice for thousands of low-income Louisianians and prevent law schools from providing students with a complete legal education, legal experts argue.
Lawmakers briefed on state’s oil spill response
The Associated Press. June 9, 2010.
BATON ROUGE La.—Coastal parish leaders echoed concerns of state lawmakers about the devastating effect President Barack Obama’s six-month drilling moratorium could have on Louisiana’s economy, already battered by the oil spill.
These comments came at a two-hour briefing for lawmakers Wednesday on the state’s efforts to protect Louisiana’s coastline and help those hit hard by the offshore spill.
Obama recently imposed the moratorium for offshore deepwater drilling and new requirements for shallow water oil drilling. But South Louisiana residents rely heavily on oil industry paychecks and many worry about their economic futures.
“This moratorium has added insult to injury and it must be lifted now,” said Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph.
Randolph said she pleaded with Obama on his visit last Friday to lift the moratorium, noting more than 150,000 jobs could be at stake if it continues.
Lawmakers advancing renewable energy bills
The Associated Press. May 31, 2010.
BATON ROUGE La.—As millions of gallons of leaked oil swirl around the Gulf of Mexico and enter Louisiana’s delicate coastal wetlands, several bills that would help Louisiana harness more energy from renewable sources are winding through the state Legislature.
The measures, if passed, would help Louisiana capture energy from the Mississippi River’s currents, make it easier for residents to install solar panels on their homes and allow cities and parishes to trade in their fleets of gas guzzlers for more efficient vehicles.
The bills’ sponsors, Sen. Nick Gautreaux, D-Meaux, and Rep. Franklin Foil, R-Baton Rouge, said this year’s alternative energy bills move Louisiana further along on the path to becoming an alternative energy leader.
“Louisiana is already a leader in the oil field. We need to become a leader of alternative technology and fuels,” Gautreaux said in an interview. “Do you want your money going to overseas tyrants or do we want our money staying right here in Louisiana?”
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