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Bill

HB 78

ENERGY: Authorizes the governing authority of Allen Parish to determine whether Class VI carbon dioxide injection wells may be permitted within the parish

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dewith Carrier

HB 78 empowers Allen Parish to approve or reject Class VI carbon dioxide injection wells, localizing permitting authority for deep geological CO2 storage projects.

Involuntarily deferred in committee.
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Bill Summary · HB 78

Legislative bill overview

HB 78 grants Allen Parish governing authority the power to decide whether Class VI carbon dioxide injection wells—deep geological storage of CO2—can be permitted within parish boundaries. This is a local control measure that shifts permitting decisions from state to parish level for a specific type of carbon capture and storage infrastructure.

Why is this important

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is increasingly relevant to climate policy and industrial decarbonization, but wells require deep injection into geological formations, raising concerns about induced seismic activity, groundwater contamination, and long-term liability. Granting parish-level veto power allows local communities to accept or reject this industrial activity based on local geological conditions and community preferences, but may also fragment state energy policy or deter investment in CCS infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Local vs. state control: Whether carbon storage policy should be decided locally (protecting parish interests) or statewide (ensuring consistent energy/climate strategy and preventing a patchwork of regulations)
  • Environmental risk assessment: Disagreement over whether Class VI wells are sufficiently safe for geological injection, particularly regarding seismic risks and long-term containment integrity
  • Economic and climate tradeoffs: Whether enabling CCS locally supports decarbonization goals and industrial competitiveness, or whether it represents an unproven technology that diverts resources from other climate solutions

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

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