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HR 276

ENERGY: Creates the Task Force on Advanced Drilling to study the impacts of carbon storage on mineral rights and oil and gas operations

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tehmi Chassion and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a task force to study drilling through CO2 storage, costs, regulations, and compensation for mineral owners and disposal wells, with a final report by March 1, 2027.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 276

Summary of HR 276 (2026, Louisiana)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the Task Force on Advanced Drilling to study the impacts of carbon dioxide storage on mineral rights and oil and gas operations in Louisiana.
  • Aims to provide informed recommendations on specifications, regulations, and guidelines, including potential legislation, to address concerns of mineral owners, disposal well operators, and industry stakeholders.

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed

  • Creation of the Task Force on Advanced Drilling with a focused study on:
    • Geologic and engineering factors related to drilling through carbon dioxide storage facilities.
    • Additional drilling and operating costs associated with carbon storage, emphasizing economic impacts on mineral owners and disposal well operations.
    • Current regulations and policies governing drilling through storage facilities.
    • Existing avenues for compensation of mineral owners and reimbursement of extra drilling and operating costs.
  • Composition of the Task Force:
    • 2 members from the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment (designated by the chairman).
    • 1 member representing independent oil and gas operators (designated by the committee chairman).
    • 2 members from the Department of Conservation and Energy (one with legal expertise, one with geological expertise).
    • 1 member from the LSU Energy Institute (designated by its executive director).
    • 1 member designated by the president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association.
    • 1 member designated by the president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association.
    • 1 member designated by the president of the Louisiana Chemical Association.
  • Administration and timeline:
    • Designating authorities must submit designee names to LSU Energy Institute by July 31, 2026.
    • The task force elects a chair and officers at its first meeting.
    • First meeting must occur no later than October 1, 2026, with convening at the call of LSU Energy Institute’s executive director.
    • The LSU Energy Institute will staff the task force.
    • Quorum is a majority; actions require a majority vote.
    • Members serve without compensation, unless per diem or expense reimbursement is permitted by their respective organizations.
    • Meetings are subject to Open Meetings Law; records subject to Public Records Law.
    • Termination: the task force ends after its business concludes or by April 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
  • Reporting:
    • Any recommendations or proposals must be submitted in a written report to the Louisiana Legislature and to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library by March 1, 2027.

Who is Affected

  • Mineral rights owners and disposal well operators (economic and regulatory impacts analyzed).
  • Independent oil and gas operators.
  • State agencies and institutions involved in energy regulation and research (Department of Conservation and Energy; LSU Energy Institute; industry associations).
  • General public through potential regulatory or legislative changes informed by the task force’s findings.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Legislative action: HR 276 creates the task force and outlines its mandate.
  • Key deadlines:
    • July 31, 2026: Designating authorities submit nominee names.
    • October 1, 2026: First meeting scheduled.
    • March 1, 2027: Written recommendations/report due to Legislature and LSU Library.
    • April 1, 2027: Proposed termination date if business concludes earlier.
  • Reporting vehicle: Written report to the legislature and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library, per R.S. 24:772.

Potential Impact and Next Steps

  • The resolution could inform future regulatory or legislative action regarding carbon storage and drilling through CO2 storage sites.
  • By studying costs, compensation mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks, the task force may propose standards or bills to address impacts on mineral owners and disposal well operations.
  • The open meetings and public records requirements may promote transparency in the task force’s work.

Note: This summary reflects the bill as introduced in HR 276 during the 2026 Regular Session in Louisiana. If enacted, the actual statutory language could differ.

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

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