Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has announced a new partnership between the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Louisiana State University (LSU) to establish one of the first-ever NSF Regional Innovation Engines. The Louisiana Energy Engine will focus on supporting carbon capture projects and conducting research on the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel, carbon dioxide as a feedstock, and sustainable water.

"Louisiana is leading the way in carbon capture, making this an investment in Louisiana but also the future of the United States," said Dr. Cassidy. "America produces energy and manufactures products cleaner than anywhere else. We need to reward that. Doing so will lead to more jobs and better opportunities."

The NSF Engines program, launched in May 2022, aims to leverage the nation's science and technology research and development enterprise and regional-level resources. The Louisiana Innovation Engine will receive an initial funding of up to $15 million for two years. This investment is part of NSF's overall commitment of $150 million in 10 regions, which is being matched by commitments from state and local governments, other federal agencies, philanthropy, and private industry.

Projects that demonstrate progress towards well-defined goals could potentially receive up to $160 million each from NSF over a 10-year period. This funding is made possible through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which Cassidy supported.

Cassidy has been a strong advocate for carbon capture advancements in Louisiana. He successfully pushed for the EPA to allow Louisiana to permit and invest in carbon storage wells. Since the signing of his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Cassidy has announced nearly $650 million in funding for carbon capture projects in Louisiana. This includes $600 million for the development of a Direct Air Capture hub in Southwest Louisiana, which aims to capture over one million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually and sequester it underground.

Last year, Cassidy also announced three projects for carbon storage with a total investment of over $60 million, as well as two demonstration projects. These initiatives highlight Louisiana's commitment to carbon capture technology and its potential to create a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The partnership between the federal government and LSU, through the establishment of the Louisiana Energy Engine, will further enhance research and development in the field of carbon capture. This collaboration will not only benefit Louisiana but also contribute to the overall efforts of the United States in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.