Groundwater Commission Survives Legislative Overhaul After 11th-Hour Amendment

BATON ROUGE, La. — A state bill aimed at dissolving the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation Commission advanced through the Louisiana Senate this week, but a last-minute amendment spared the embattled public body from extinction—at least for now.

The commission, which oversees the aquifer supplying drinking water to Baton Rouge and neighboring parishes, had faced increasing scrutiny in recent months over its financial practices and effectiveness. Lawmakers originally sought to transfer its duties to the state Department of Natural Resources, citing concerns about transparency and performance.

However, during a Senate committee hearing, legislators approved a key amendment that allowed the commission to continue operating independently. The move followed the commission’s controversial decision to spend $20,000 in public funds to hire a lobbyist—an investment that appears to have paid off.

“This isn't just bureaucracy; it's about the public’s access to clean water and how their money is being used to protect it,” said Commissioner Greg Phares, who sits on the board without compensation. “As a commissioner, I want every action we take to be transparent and above board.”

The commission had been the focus of public concern after investigative reporting highlighted unclear spending patterns and questioned its long-term contributions to protecting the region’s water supply.

Despite the amendment preserving its status, the commission remains under a cloud of skepticism. Executive Director Gary Beard did not respond to requests for comment following the bill’s passage.

The bill, though altered, still signals that lawmakers are watching closely. While the immediate threat of dissolution has passed, calls for reform and increased oversight are likely to intensify.