Louisiana lawmakers protect carbon capture projects in session, reject local control bills

Louisiana's legislative session ended with carbon capture projects protected from local control measures. Several bills aimed at giving communities more say over the more than 60 planned carbon capture and storage projects failed in committee. Governor Jeff Landry and legislative leaders argued the projects will bring economic opportunities to rural areas. The session also included a standstill budget, teacher stipend debates, redistricting, and changes to New Orleans courts. The carbon capture outcome is significant for the industry as Louisiana is a key state for CCS deployment. The failed local control bills mean project developers face less regulatory uncertainty at the local level.