Departmental Reorganization

Gov. Jeff Landry signs a bill at a table bearing the Louisiana state seal while officials and hard-hat workers look on at an outdoor industrial site. — Gov. Jeff Landry signs SB44 into law on June 24, 2025.

Beginning in 2024, the Departmental Review for Innovation and Visionary Enhancement (DRIVE) Initiative, authorized under Executive Order JML 24-13 by Governor Jeff Landry, represented a transformative and ambitious step forward in Louisiana’s approach to natural resource management. The initiative sought to modernize, optimize, and align the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR), creating a framework that was both sustainable and adaptable to the complex challenges of managing Louisiana’s critical resources, culminating in the re-organization and re-branding of DENR into the Department of Conservation and Energy (C&E) on Oct. 1, 2025

Legislation Driving Reorganization

Senate Bill No. 244 / ACT No. 458: Department Reorganization
Author: Sen. Hensgens
Renamed the department to the Department of Conservation and Energy and replaced the position of commissioner with a secretary, appointed by the governor, and established new offices within the department, including the offices of Permitting and Compliance, Enforcement, and State Resources.

Senate Bill No. 97 / ACT No. 418: CURRENT
Authors: Sen. Pressly and Sen. Bass
Created the Coordinated Use of Resources for Recreation, Economy, Navigation, and Transportation (CURRENT) Authority as the primary entity responsible for integrated flood control, risk reduction, navigation, water resource management, and infrastructure projects specifically within the upland areas of the state, excluding areas under the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.

House Bill No. 605 / ACT No. 296: Expedited Processing Fee
Author: Rep. Riser
Required the department to charge an expedited processing fee in addition to any fees provided by law or regulation when an applicant is granted a request for expedited processing.

Core Principles

Transparency

Administrative Flexibility Through Transparent Oversight

Strengthen open communication and public engagement across all levels of governance.
Foster a culture of clarity and accountability in budget reporting, performance metrics, and policy decisions.
Maintain flexibility by streamlining processes and adapting quickly to new data, while ensuring stakeholder trust through rigorous oversight.

Balance

Strategic and Responsible Resource Management for Revenue Generation

Emphasize a sustainable approach to resource utilization that supports both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Align budgeting and policy decisions with long-term revenue goals, ensuring stability and resilience.
Encourage interagency collaboration to optimize resource management and share best practices statewide.

Solutions

Intuitive Tools for Practical Outcomes

Implement user-friendly technologies that enhance efficiency and improve internal processes.
Provide clear, outcome-focused guidance and support to staff, partners, and the public.
Drive continuous improvement by measuring and refining the practicality and effectiveness of each tool or initiative.