Louisiana House Revives Bill to Protect Property Rights from CO2 Pipelines

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Representatives in Louisiana Legislature discuss House Bill 601 focused on carbon capture and property rights.

News Summary

The Louisiana House of Representatives has revived House Bill 601, which aims to protect private property rights by preventing the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipeline construction. Sponsored by Representative Brett Geymann, the bill gained approval after a tie vote in committee. While supporters emphasize the importance of safeguarding landowner rights, industry representatives express concerns that the legislation may hinder carbon capture initiatives. This bill highlights the growing trend of prioritizing property rights amid discussions on carbon capture technology regulations in Louisiana.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Louisiana House of Representatives has revived House Bill 601, aimed at safeguarding private property rights amid growing concerns surrounding carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. This legislation, sponsored by Representative Brett Geymann from Lake Charles, specifically seeks to prevent companies from claiming eminent domain for the construction of carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines.

After a tie vote of 8-8 last week in the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, the bill was reintroduced and ultimately approved with a vote of 11-4. Geymann has publicly expressed appreciation for the bill’s advancement, emphasizing that protecting personal property rights is paramount.

The initiative follows similar legislation that was sanctioned in South Dakota, underlining a trend that prioritizes property rights while intending to address the implications of carbon capture rather than opposing the efforts themselves. Geymann has pointed out that CCS does not yield a direct public benefit that would warrant the use of eminent domain, reinforcing the intention behind the proposed legislation.

It’s crucial to note that the bill is limited to transport pipelines intended for CO2 sequestration. Facilities involved in carbon capture are still permitted to employ eminent domain with the necessary state approvals. This nuanced approach aims to balance the interests of landowners and the development of carbon capture technologies, albeit some industry representatives have raised concerns. They argue that the bill may complicate the process and pose challenges to advancing CCS initiatives in Louisiana.

One such industry opponent has indicated that the bill could severely impede the progress of carbon capture projects, suggesting it could become nearly impossible to move forward under the new restrictions. In contrast, supporters highlight that the legislation would provide landowners necessary leverage over the use of their properties without the threat of coercion.

The legislative discussions come at a time when numerous carbon storage projects—particularly near Allen Parish—have attracted attention and scrutiny, leading to calls for local governance over such initiatives. In response to these concerns regarding land use and safety, Allen Parish has already instituted its own regulations governing carbon capture wells.

As the legislative session nears its conclusion on June 14, the success of Geymann’s bill stands out amidst a broader array of carbon capture regulatory proposals that have struggled to gain momentum in recent discussions. Several similar bills aimed at restraining carbon capture and pipeline projects have met with stagnation. However, four crucial bills, including Geymann’s, have successfully passed through the committee stage.

Local groups, including the Louisiana CO2 Alliance, have formed to advocate for more oversight and express opposition to unregulated carbon capture projects. Residents have made their worries clear regarding property rights and the potential targeting of individual lands for carbon sequestration projects without obtaining consent from landowners.

The committee also explored the topic of financial compensation for landowners affected by carbon capture ventures. One of the proposals discussed was designed to ensure equitable revenue distribution to the parishes involved, which reflects the growing legislative momentum advocating for more localized input on carbon capture and storage operations within communities throughout Louisiana.

The evolving landscape of carbon capture regulation in Louisiana exemplifies not only the balancing act between environmental initiatives and property rights but also signifies a shift towards increased community involvement in decisions that affect local landowners. As discussions progress, the outcome of Geymann’s bill may serve as a pivotal point in defining the future dynamics of carbon capture projects within the state.