Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has announced that the U.S. Department of Energy will provide $46.8 million for two carbon capture and sequestration projects in Louisiana. These funds are part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). River Parish Sequestration, LLC will receive $25.6 million to develop a CO2 transportation and storage solution for the Louisiana Chemical Corridor. Advanced Resources International, Inc will receive $21.2 million to develop a commercial-scale geologic CO2 storage hub near Monkey Island, Louisiana.

Dr. Cassidy emphasizes the importance of Louisiana in sequestering carbon, stating, "There is no better place in the world to sequester carbon than Louisiana." He believes that this funding will not only solidify Louisiana's leadership in this field but also create jobs and drive economic development in the state.

These grants will be accompanied by significant private investment from the awardees.

Dr. Cassidy has been advocating for the EPA to allow Louisiana to invest in carbon storage wells for the past two years, facing resistance from the Biden administration. In an op-ed for the American Press, he highlighted the necessity for Louisiana to secure Class VI primacy, which grants state-led enforcement for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide.

During a recent Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Dr. Cassidy questioned Department of Energy (DOE) Deputy Secretary David Turk about Louisiana's stalled application for Class VI primacy. He sought solutions from the Department of Energy to expedite the approval of Louisiana's application, which was submitted in April 2021.

In April, the EPA announced its intention to grant Louisiana the authority to permit, site, and provide oversight of carbon storage wells in the state. However, the EPA unnecessarily extended the public comment period by an additional 30 days. Despite this delay, the overwhelming majority of public comments have been supportive of granting Class VI primacy to Louisiana.

The funding provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will significantly boost Louisiana's efforts in carbon capture and sequestration. It not only showcases the state's potential in this field but also reinforces its commitment to addressing climate change and creating a sustainable future.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cassidy-announces-46-8-million-for-louisiana-from-his-infrastructure-law-in-carbon-capture/