EPA: Louisiana Can Approve Carbon Capture Projects

Environmental groups worry carbon sequestration could impact water supplies and pollute the same communities already impacted by oil and gas extraction.

1 minute read

January 14, 2024, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of oil refinery near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Oil refinery near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. | travelview / Adobe Stock

The state of Louisiana gained approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve carbon capture projects, reports Sabrina Wilson for Fox 8.

State officials say the decision will allow energy companies to more quickly build and start operating carbon sequestration projects. “Patrick Courreges, communications director for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, says Louisiana is equipped to handle the new responsibility.”

“However, environmentalists and environmental justice advocates do not trust Louisiana to approve and oversee carbon capture well projects,” Wilson adds. “There are concerns that wells would be built near communities that are already dealing with high cancer rates in Louisiana.” Advocates say the projects could impact groundwater supplies in areas already facing high cancer rates and other impacts of the oil and gas industry.

Friday, January 5, 2024 in Fox 8

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