Louisiana debates carbon capture technology

Proposed direct air capture projects in Louisiana promise to combat climate change but face criticism over costs, safety and effectiveness.

Pam Radtke reports for Floodlight.

In short:

• Two direct air capture facilities planned in Louisiana aim to remove carbon dioxide directly from the air using federal funding.
• Critics, including residents and researchers, argue the technology is costly, energy-intensive and risky, citing potential pipeline leaks.
• A new MIT study suggests direct air capture should be further developed but highlights its limited potential as a large-scale climate solution.

Key quote:

“Millions of dollars in taxpayer money for what amounts to an experiment.”

— Michael Tritico, retired biologist.

Why this matters:

As climate change intensifies, finding effective mitigation methods is urgent. Direct air capture could aid in reducing emissions but raises questions about efficiency, costs and local safety. These debates highlight the challenges of balancing innovation with accountability in addressing environmental crises.

Read more: Carbon capture technology faces cost and scale challenges