“Op-Ed: CO2 could help power Louisiana’s future”

“What do a cold beer, a crawfish boil, and the fertilizer that keeps Louisiana’s rice and soybeans thriving all have in common? They all rely on carbon dioxide.

While CO2 is essential for many industries, excess emissions have posed economic challenges. Fortunately, Louisiana has the opportunity to turn this challenge into an advantage — by capturing and repurposing CO2 to fuel new industries, strengthening our essential oil and gas industry and keeping our state at the forefront of the energy economy.

Carbon capture, utilization and storage isn’t a new idea — it’s a proven technology with decades of success in the U.S. and around the world. It involves capturing CO2 from industrial facilities, power plants, and refineries, then either storing it permanently underground or repurposing it for other industries.

Louisiana is uniquely positioned to lead in both. With our vast geological storage potential and a strong industrial base, we can use CO2 not just for environmental benefits, but as a valuable commodity that attracts investment and jobs.

By building a CO2 supply chain, Louisiana can create new economic opportunities. Industries such as food and beverage production, chemical manufacturing, and medical and pharmaceutical development all depend on CO2.

Meanwhile, innovations in low-carbon fuels and synthetic materials are opening the door for even more applications. Instead of letting this resource go to waste, we should be leveraging it to support existing businesses and attract new industries to our state.

The economic impact could be massive. CCUS technology can reduce emissions from industrial facilities by up to 90 percent, helping secure the future of Louisiana’s energy sector and heavy industry.”