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HB 5

ENERGY: Authorizes parish governing authorities and citizens to determine whether Class VI injection wells, carbon dioxide sequestration, and carbon dioxide pipelines may be permitted within a parish (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rhonda Butler and 5 co-sponsors

Louisiana HB 5 grants individual parishes power to permit or prohibit carbon dioxide injection wells, sequestration, and pipelines within their boundaries, shifting control from state regulators to local governments.

Involuntarily deferred in committee.
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Bill Summary · HB 5

Legislative bill overview

HB 5 gives individual Louisiana parishes the authority to locally regulate or prohibit Class VI injection wells (used for permanent carbon dioxide storage), carbon dioxide sequestration projects, and CO2 pipelines within their jurisdictions. Currently, these projects are regulated primarily at the state and federal level. The bill essentially devolves decision-making power from state agencies to local parish governments and potentially citizen referendums.

Why is this important

This represents a significant shift in energy infrastructure governance, as carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is increasingly viewed as part of climate mitigation strategies and industrial decarbonization efforts. Louisiana has substantial petrochemical and industrial sectors that could benefit from or be affected by CCS infrastructure. The outcome will influence whether Louisiana becomes a hub for carbon capture projects or faces fragmented, localized restrictions that could impede such development.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic development vs. local autonomy: Proponents of carbon projects argue parish-level bans could block job creation and industrial investment; opponents argue communities have the right to reject potentially risky infrastructure
  • Environmental justice concerns: Low-income and minority communities may worry about CO2 pipeline ruptures, injection well failures, or other safety risks; industry argues modern Class VI wells are safe
  • State regulatory consistency: Patchwork parish regulations could create uncertainty for energy companies and complicate interstate pipeline projects, versus the principle of local control over land use

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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