The Allen Parish Police Jury has adopted resolutions backing proposed state legislation that would give local governments greater authority over carbon capture and sequestration projects while strengthening private property rights.

The jury approved one resolution supporting legislation to limit the use of eminent domain for carbon capture projects and another urging lawmakers to allow parishes to decide whether to permit Class VI injection wells used for carbon dioxide sequestration.

“I feel we are gaining ground every day with the governor and with our legislators because of some very important bills, including these,” Police Juror Roland Hollins said. “We had four parishes pushing last year and now we have 13 to 14 parishes. It looks like more parishes and several towns and city councils are coming on board, so we are making headway.”

Hollins said growing public concern over groundwater contamination, potential carbon dioxide leaks and pipeline explosions has led residents and local officials to demand a stronger voice in decision-making after years of debate over carbon capture projects.

The resolutions support bills pre-filed by District 37 State Rep. and House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson, R-Pineville, ahead of the legislative session beginning March 9.

House Bill 7, known as the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, would prohibit private companies from using eminent domain for carbon capture projects and CO2 pipelines, requiring land acquisition through voluntary negotiations. The bill would also remove the authority of the secretary of the Department of Energy to force unit operations for sequestration.

House Bill 5 would establish a local option allowing parishes and residents to decide whether Class VI injection wells, CO2 sequestration projects and related pipelines are allowed. Under the proposal, a parish ordinance or a petition signed by 15% of voters would trigger a local election to ban a project. A similar bill failed during the previous legislative session.

A third measure, House Bill 6, would apply specifically to Rapides Parish and grant its governing authority the ability to opt out of carbon capture and storage projects.

Johnson has said the legislation is intended to protect property rights by requiring companies to negotiate directly with landowners rather than relying on state authority to seize land. Industry groups, including the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, have opposed the measures, warning they could push investment to other states.

In other business, Hollins informed residents that Paragon is conducting geophysical testing related to carbon sequestration. He said the activity does not indicate that a Class VI permit has been approved in Allen Parish.

Seismic crews will operate in the Mittie and Grant areas, including sections along Palestine Road, Turner Road, Ten Mile Road, Baggett Road and Elizabeth Firetower Road. Hollins said a 1979 parish ordinance allows seismic work within parish rights-of-way even if landowners deny access, preventing officials from stopping the activity.

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Allen Parish seeks local control over carbon capture projects

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