LA HB634

Creates a new administrative review panel process for resolving disputes between oil/gas operators and landowners over environmental contamination, replacing court litigation for suits filed on or after January 1, 2026

Establishes a three-member review panel (one selected by landowners, one by operators, one jointly chosen) with a non-voting chairperson from the Department of Conservation and Energy to determine whether contamination exists, identify responsible parties, and develop remediation plans

Requires operators to immediately notify the department and landowners of contamination disputes and take reasonable steps to stop ongoing contamination while the review process proceeds; any lawsuits filed must be stayed pending completion of the administrative process

Mandates review and approval of remediation plans by four state agencies (Conservation and Energy, Environmental Quality, Agriculture, Wildlife and Fisheries), with responsible parties required to deposit remediation costs into a Natural Resources Trust Authority account

Limits appeals to the Division of Administrative Law with final judicial appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals; grants absolute immunity to review panel members and participating agency staff from civil liability