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HB 501

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dewith Carrier

Allen Parish would be empowered to decide whether Class VI CO2 injection wells can be permitted within the parish.

Involuntarily deferred in committee.
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Bill Summary · HB 501

Bill Summary: HB 501 (Louisiana, 2026)

Purpose and intent

HB 501 authorizes the governing authority of Allen Parish to determine whether Class VI carbon dioxide (CO2) injection wells may be permitted within the parish. The bill empowers local governance to decide on issuing permits for Class VI wells, which are used for long-term CO2 geologic sequestration as part of carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities. The underlying aim is to give Allen Parish local decision-making authority over the siting and permitting of these specific geologic CO2 injection wells.

Key provisions and changes

  • Local authority to determine permits: The governing authority of Allen Parish (e.g., parish council/other designated body) is empowered to decide whether Class VI CO2 injection wells may be permitted within parish boundaries.
  • Scope of decision: The authorization focuses specifically on Class VI wells, which are regulated under federal (EPA) and state regimes for geologic sequestration projects. The bill does not appear to mandate or prohibit widespread CCS infrastructure statewide; rather, it localizes the decision-making for Allen Parish.
  • Permitting framework (contextual): While the bill establishes local determination authority, it does not in the text provided specify procedural steps, timelines, or criteria for evaluating permit applications. It is understood to modify the governance layer at the parish level, consistent with Louisiana’s local authority over oil and gas or environmental permitting within parish lines, subject to applicable state and federal laws.

Who or what would be affected

  • Geologic CO2 sequestration proponents: Projects proposing Class VI wells would need to engage with Allen Parish authorities to obtain parish-level approval to proceed with permitting within the parish.
  • Allen Parish governance: The parish governing authority gains the explicit power to authorize or deny permits for Class VI wells, potentially influencing where CCS activities occur within the parish.
  • Local residents and environment: If exercised, the decision could impact local land use, environmental considerations, potential emissions concerns, groundwater protections, and local economic activity related to CCS projects.
  • Industry/operators: Oil and gas operators or CCS developers seeking Class VI permits would need to navigate parish-level determinations in addition to state and federal regulatory requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Involuntarily deferred in committee as of May 19, 2026. This means the bill is not advancing this session unless revived by the committee or through procedural actions.
  • First appearance: The bill appeared in the Interim Calendar on February 27, 2026.
  • Prefiled: The bill was prefiled on February 26, 2026.
  • Next steps (if pursued): If brought back for consideration, the committee would potentially hold hearings to evaluate the local permissibility of Class VI wells in Allen Parish, weigh environmental and safety considerations, and decide whether to move the bill forward or amend its provisions.

Notes and context

  • The sponsor listed is Dewith Carrier (co-sponsor), indicating support within the legislative package.
  • The bill interacts with broader CCS regulatory frameworks. Class VI wells are typically regulated under federal EPA rules and state agencies; HB 501 adds a layer of local parish authority to permit decisions, which can complement or complicate downstream permitting processes depending on how state and federal regulations align with parish determinations.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize environmental safeguards, potential economic impacts, or compare to how other parishes handle similar CCS permitting authority.

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

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