Opposition grows to carbon capture projects in Louisiana
Residents in Allen Parish are pushing back against carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects, citing concerns over water contamination, health risks, and lack of local control over permits.
Natalie McLendon reports for the Louisiana Illuminator.
In short:
- At a community meeting, locals and officials raised concerns about storing carbon dioxide underground near the Chicot Aquifer, which supplies nearly half of Louisiana’s drinking water.
- ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum subsidiary 1PointFive have proposed CO2 injection sites, but secrecy around locations and risks of pipeline failures fuel opposition.
- A new bill in the state legislature aims to give local governments authority to approve or reject CCS projects, potentially shifting power away from state regulators.
Key quote:
“There’s no value to injecting CO2 under our water – only risks.”
— Roland Hollins, Allen Parish Police Jury member
Why this matters:
Louisiana is emerging as a flashpoint in the national debate over carbon capture and storage, a climate strategy that its proponents say is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but that critics argue is risky and underregulated. The state’s deep industrial ties and unique geology make it a prime candidate for such projects, which involve capturing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and injecting them deep underground for long-term storage.
Oil companies and some state officials tout CCS as a way to cut emissions while maintaining jobs in the energy sector. Residents fear that leaks or failures could contaminate drinking water and pose serious health risks. The debate is about more than just science and engineering — it’s also about power and control. Louisiana has a long history of environmental justice struggles, with communities, particularly in the industrial corridor known as "Cancer Alley," pushing back against pollution from refineries and chemical plants.
Read more: Louisiana carbon capture project sparks safety and environmental concerns
