Legislative leaders wary of granting local control of carbon capture

Published: March 3, 2026

By: Gracie Thomas, Kylah Babin, AnnMarie Bedard and Dakota Laszlo, LSU Manship School News Service

BATON ROUGE–State Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier both expressed concern Monday about a spate of bills that might give communities veto power over carbon capture projects in their areas.

The push for a local option follows growing concerns of residents, landowners and environmentalists in Louisiana about the possible health implications of having the carbon capture and storage projects nearby.

Carbon capture is the process of capturing carbon dioxide at emission sources, transporting it and then storing or burying it in a deep, underground location.

DeVillier, R-Eunice, said more than 20 bills have been filed in the House that he would consider “anti-carbon capture.” DeVillier said he wants to ensure that the new technology is handled safely but also in accordance with guidance from the Supreme Court, “that says states nor local governments should interfere with interstate commerce. I mean, that is exactly what local option is,” he said.

Read more at The Advertiser.