Governor Landry issues a moratorium on new applications for carbon capture injection wells in the state. Several lawmakers, including Charles Owen, have expressed concerns about pumping and storing carbon dioxide below the ground.
“What they’re proposing to do has never been done in the United States. It’s especially not been done in the state of Louisiana. And we need to make sure we get it right,” Owen said.
Owen is glad that Landry took the action that he did.
“I am not at all worried about carbon capture. What I am worried about is the sequestration of carbon in places that we’re not ready to do it or in places where the citizens don’t want it,” Owen said.
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, however, sees it another way. President and CEO Will Green says Landry’s announcement creates uncertainty and unpredictability.
“At a time when we are leading, in a time when we have all these exciting announcements being made, we want to send the clear message that Louisiana is open for business,” Green said.
Green says any action that gives the impression that Louisiana is not open for business could end up hurting the state in the long run.
“Any message, to the contrary, gives states like Texas the opportunity to take advantage,” Green warned.
Landry also wants state regulators to prioritize review of the more than 30 applications that have already been submitted. In the governor’s 12-page executive order, he’s asking companies to make an effort to seek out public and local government input on pending projects.
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