LDEQ Releases Louisiana's First-Ever Voluntary Environmental Self-Audit Program

On December 20, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality ("LDEQ") issued regulations implementing the state's first-ever voluntary environmental self-audit program. Pursuant to La. R.S. § 30:2044, the regulations provide for the reduction or elimination of civil penalties for certain violations disclosed to LDEQ as the result of a voluntary environmental self-audit. The regulations describe the types of violations that are eligible for penalty reduction; the pre-requisites that must be met for a 75% or 100% penalty reduction; and required notices, including notice prior to the self-audit, in order to qualify for the program. The regulations also provide for other miscellaneous provisions, such as those relating to confidentiality of documents and prescription of violations. Louisiana's self-audit program is similar to others of its kind, including the EPA's Audit Policy and Texas's Environmental, Health, and Safety Audit Privilege Act. There