“Guest column: When it comes to carbon capture, the choice is clear: lead, or lose”

“Guest column: When it comes to carbon capture, the choice is clear: lead, or lose

Louisiana has a proud tradition of leading the way in American energy. Our state has powered the country for generations and now stands at the forefront of another energy and sustainability revolution: carbon capture and sequestration. But if we allow fear and misinformation campaigns to shape public policy, we risk turning a winning hand into a lost opportunity.

The good news is that Louisiana was one of the first states in the country to secure what’s called federal “primacy” for carbon capture regulation. That means our state doesn’t have to rely on Washington to greenlight these projects — we can do it locally and responsibly, with our own experts and agencies. The industry responded and our citizens are benefiting. Today, there’s more than $20 billion in proposed CCS investment across the state.

In March, Gov. Jeff Landry and President Donald Trump announced the arrival of Hyundai Steel Company’s first North American steel mill, a $5.8 billion investment in Ascension Parish. Expected to begin construction in 2026, the facility will create approximately 1,300 direct jobs — averaging $95,000 annually — and an estimated 4,100 indirect jobs throughout the region.”