Tommy Faucher of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association discussed the recent legislative session and its impact on carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) in Louisiana. Despite over 30 bills aimed at limiting or halting CCS, most were defeated with support from industry, local chambers, and community groups.

However, some restrictive legislation passed, creating confusion and potentially undermining Louisiana’s competitive advantage in CCS. Faucher emphasized that Louisiana had a unique opportunity to lead in CCS, but recent legislative actions may cause companies to reconsider investing in the state, especially as neighboring states like Texas and Mississippi become more attractive due to clearer regulatory environments. Faucher expressed frustration over the inconsistency in public trust—people support the oil and gas industry’s expertise in traditional operations but question it when it comes to CCS. He warned that duplicative and confusing legislation could deter investment and shift economic opportunities elsewhere. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong, science-based regulatory framework and ensuring that communities understand the economic benefits of CCS projects, including job creation and increased tax revenues.

Looking ahead, Faucher remains cautiously optimistic. He anticipates the issuance of Louisiana’s first Class VI permit soon and expects continued infrastructure development. He stressed the need for policymakers to trust industry experts and for communities to engage with economic impact analyses provided by Louisiana Economic Development. Educational institutions like Southeastern Louisiana University and River Parishes Community College are poised to play key roles in monitoring and workforce development. Ultimately, Faucher believes CCS can unlock economic growth in regions previously untouched by traditional oil and gas investments—if Louisiana can maintain clarity and confidence in its regulatory approach.