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Economic Opportunity and Energy Dominance Prevail in CCS Conversation
As expected, Tuesday’s House Natural Resources Committee hearing stretched into a marathon, despite a single bill on the agenda. HB 7 by Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson (R-Pineville) was ultimately rejected on a 12-7 vote—marking the first of several efforts this session that aim to block or limit the once-in-a-generation economic opportunity of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS).
The bill would have undermined Louisiana’s regulatory framework for CCS projects critical pipeline infrastructure by eliminating eminent domain authority, a rarely used but essential tool to secure land for major energy investments.
LABI has consistently warned that restricting CCS sends the wrong signal to job creators. Injecting uncertainty into the process risks driving investment elsewhere, especially as other states aggressively compete for these projects.
We appreciate the committee’s thoughtful deliberation during the nearly five-hour hearing and thank the 12 members who opposed this harmful legislation: Reps. Brass, Breaux, Bryant, Domangue, Travis Johnson, Kerner, LaCombe, Jacob Landry, Orgeron, Riser, Sawyer and Zeringue.
Following the vote, the bill was involuntarily deferred by Rep. Neil Riser (R-Columbia).
While this outcome is a win for Louisiana’s economic competitiveness, it is only the beginning. Several anti-CCS measures remain pending, and LABI, alongside our partners, will continue advocating for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that results in millions of dollars in states and local investment, jobs and reinforces Louisiana’s dominance in the global energy sector.
For the full report on Tuesday’s meeting, including a detailed breakdown of eminent domain and expropriation, click here.