Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that they intend to grant Louisiana the authority to permit, site, and provide oversight of carbon storage wells in the state.
“Capturing and storing carbon is the next phase of job creation and economic development in Louisiana. Louisiana being able to permit wells independently of the EPA while implementing EPA standards gives us an edge over other states and protects the environment,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Governor Edwards, I, and others worked together to encourage the release of these guidelines sooner, not later. I thank him for the partnership.”
Background
Cassidy has led a two-year push for the EPA to allow Louisiana to invest in carbon storage wells, meeting resistance from the Biden administration. The long-awaited concession from the EPA will allow Louisiana to continue leading the country in the expansion of new, lower-pollution technologies such as carbon capture, hydrogen, and direct air capture. It also positions Louisiana to access funding dedicated to carbon capture in Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The EPA will now accept public comments for 60 days before officially transferring the authority to the state.