By Will Hardy - Conservatives for Clean Energy Louisiana, State Director
Louisiana has long been a leader in energy innovation, and as the industry evolves, we are poised to take full advantage of emerging opportunities in carbon capture and storage (CCS). The Gulf Coast is a competitive landscape, and as other states seek to carve out their place in the industry, Louisiana must leverage its existing strengths to remain at the forefront of economic and industrial growth. Our state and its people are uniquely positioned to lead the Gulf Coast in CCS development, thanks to a combination of regulatory advantages, a deep-rooted energy sector, and a workforce built for large-scale industrial projects.
One of Louisiana’s most significant advantages is Class VI primacy, which allows our state to oversee the permitting of CO2 injection wells rather than relying on the federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means Louisiana can issue permits more efficiently, reducing delays and giving project developers greater certainty. While other states in the region, like Mississippi and Texas, are still navigating the federal approval process, Louisiana is already moving forward with key CCS projects that will define the region’s energy future.
Carbon capture is not a standalone industry—it’s an extension of Louisiana’s already dominant energy and industrial sectors. With a long history in oil and gas, petrochemicals, and refining, our state is uniquely positioned to integrate CCS into existing operations. Likewise, hydrogen production presents another major opportunity for Louisiana’s industrial sector, particularly with federal incentives like the 45V clean hydrogen tax credit designed to spur investment in low-carbon energy solutions. By embracing both CCS and hydrogen, Louisiana can further solidify its leadership in the evolving energy economy while maximizing federal support to attract new industries and high-paying jobs.
Louisiana is home to multiple large-scale carbon capture initiatives that are driving billions in investment and positioning the state as a national leader in CCS. Major companies are committing resources to develop CCS infrastructure, reinforcing Louisiana’s reputation as a premier destination for industrial investment and long-term job creation. These projects will not only strengthen our energy sector but also attract new industries and economic opportunities, while keeping Louisiana at the forefront of the global energy market.
Another area where Louisiana holds a decisive advantage is its workforce. CCS requires expertise in engineering, construction, and energy infrastructure—skills that Louisiana workers have honed for decades in the oil and gas industry. With thousands of skilled tradesmen, engineers, and energy professionals, our state has the talent pool needed to execute complex carbon capture projects efficiently and safely. The demand for CCS expertise will only grow as companies look to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining operations in the Gulf Coast. Louisiana’s workforce is already prepared to meet that demand, giving companies another compelling reason to invest here rather than elsewhere.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, CCS investment presents an opportunity to reverse Louisiana’s ongoing population decline. By fostering a stable and forward-looking energy sector, we can attract new residents seeking high-paying, long-term jobs. Young professionals, skilled tradespeople, and engineers will have new reasons to stay and build their careers here instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere. Additionally, as new companies establish operations in Louisiana to leverage our CCS infrastructure, the state will see increased investment in housing, education, and community development—creating a stronger, more prosperous future for all Louisianans.
It is crucial to keep Louisiana ahead in the Gulf Coast energy race. Louisiana and its neighbors have long been economic competitors, particularly in energy and manufacturing. While Texas and Mississippi have made recent CCS investments, Louisiana remains the region’s leader due to its regulatory efficiency, industry depth, and skilled workforce. To maintain this edge, we must ensure our regulatory structure remains industry-friendly and continue investing in workforce development programs that prepare the next generation for careers in the low-carbon economy.
CCS forms an integral part of Louisiana's all-of-the-above energy strategy that will keep the state in the lead, both globally and nationally. With the right policies and continued investment, we can cement our position as the Gulf Coast’s CCS leader—securing jobs, economic growth, and long-term competitiveness in the global energy market.