By State Rep. Brett Geymann

In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical component of our future. As the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am dedicated to ensuring a positive economic impact in our state. By advocating for a robust energy sector and positioning Louisiana ahead of our competitors in the industry, we can achieve this goal. Louisiana’s leadership in CCS efforts not only highlights our commitment to the energy sector and its workforce but also ensures our continued relevance in the global energy market.

CCS is the natural evolution of the oil and gas industry. By embracing this transition and committing to doing it safely, we are securing jobs for our current workforce and creating new opportunities for future generations.

Louisiana has already made significant strides in CCS. All across the state, industry and communities have joined forces to develop safe and innovative projects. For instance, the Lake Charles Carbon Capture and Storage Project aims to capture and store up to 4.6 million metric tons of CO2 annually. Additionally, CF Industries and ExxonMobil are planning a major CCS project in Donaldsonville, which will capture and store 2 million metric tons of CO2 per year.

Just this past legislative session, we set the stage for a robust CCS industry by enacting key regulatory milestones and protecting Louisianiana’s private property rights. Our state’s cooperation with industry leaders and bipartisan support from government officials in advancing the regulatory framework around CCS is a testament to our collective commitment to Louisiana’s future. This collaboration benefits everyone, from local communities to the broader energy sector.

When we compare our progress with that of Texas and Mississippi, it’s clear that Louisiana is currently leading the way. Texas has made notable advancements in CCS, but our state has outpaced them in both regulatory achievements and project implementation. Similarly, Mississippi’s efforts, while commendable, do not match the scale and scope of Louisiana’s initiatives. Our competitive edge is evident, and it’s something we must continue to cultivate.

Complacency is our greatest enemy. If we do not maintain our momentum, we risk hindering job growth and losing valuable investments in our state. Our universities and in-state talent could suffer as the workforce pipeline dwindles, and our relevance in the global energy sector could diminish.

Falling behind Texas and Mississippi is not an option.

The economic risks are too great, and the potential benefits too significant to ignore. Continuous innovation and investment in CCS technology are essential to our sustained success.

To ensure Louisiana remains a leader in energy, we must rally all stakeholders — policymakers, businesses, universities, and our local communities. Supporting appropriate CCS initiatives is about securing our economic future. We need to encourage continued investment in research, infrastructure, and development for CCS. By staying “all in” we can guarantee Louisiana’s relevance and leadership in the energy sector.

Let’s seize this opportunity and solidify our place at the forefront of the global energy landscape.