Mark your calendars for December 18, 2023! It is time for another Task Force on Local Impacts of Carbon Capture and Sequestration meeting. As citizens mobilize to stop these projects in places like Lake Maurepas, they have questions about the makeup of this task force. Why are members of this task force, who have never been to affected communities, better able to decide what is good for them than those who live there?
Creation of the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Task Force
During Louisiana’s 2023 Regular Session, Senator Cloud brought Senate Resolution 179. This resolution established the Task Force on Local Impacts of Carbon Capture and Sequestration to study the benefits and revenue streams of carbon capture and sequestration projects. Part of this resolution stated that the Senate shall call the first meeting, which shall occur no later than August 15, 2023, and submit a final report on or before February 15, 2024, to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.
Below is the makeup of the board.
| Member | Address | Seat Information |
|---|---|---|
| Chauvin, Hunter | 450 Laurel St., Ste. 1601 Baton Rouge, LA 70801 |
Appt by Bob Hensgens, Chair, Senate Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES |
| Cloud, Heather (Sen.) | P. O. Box 269 Turkey Creek, LA 70585 |
Appt by Bob Hensgens, Chair, Senate Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES |
| Dore, Mark Allen | 615 Beverly Dr Lafayette, LA 70503-3115 |
Appt by Bret Allain, Chair, Senate Committee on REVENUE & FISCAL AFFAIRS |
| Hall, Keith | 2139 Arlington Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70808-1553 |
Ex-O; Dir, LA Mineral Law Inst or Designee |
| Montegut, Ryan | Assistant Attorney General P. O. Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 |
Ex-O; AG or Designee |
| Peyton, Christopher | 170 Ronald Blvd Lafayette, LA 70503-2738 |
Appt by Page Cortez, Senate Pres |
| Upton, Gregory B. Jr. | LSU Center for Energy Studies 1139 Energy, coast & Environment Bldg. Baton Rouge, LA 70803 |
Appt by Bodi White, Chair, Senate Committee on FINANCE |
What Does the Task Force do?
The purpose of the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Task Force is to conduct research and submit a recommendation to the Senate. For their part, the Senate may then take its own action, based on these recommendations.
The resolution reads this way: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall meet as often as necessary, and in conducting its study, shall seek input and advice from all interested parties, which shall include the following:
- State and local government entities
- Landowners
- Citizens
- Academic and research institutions
- Industry
- Utilities
What’s the Latest?
It was clear long before the task force creation that many legislators and politicians, such as Buddy Mincey (R 2/10), had already decided in favor of CCS without even listening to constituent questions and concerns. However, some stood up for their constituents during one particularly heated council meeting in Livingston Parish.
While the legislation ordered that the first meeting “shall occur no later than August 15, 2023,” the Senate waited until November. This compresses the process from six months to only three. Since most bad decisions are made in a hurry, citizens who live near one of these proposed projects should be concerned. They should also be engaged and aware that these meeting schedules will be weaving around the holiday season – making it even less likely that concerned residents will be aware or able to attend.
Add to this, concerned citizens had already been laughed at and mocked during the previous meeting. It will be interesting to see how the December 18, 2023, meeting goes. If one of these projects is proposed near you, it’d be advisable not only to attend but to also bring as many friends and neighbors as you can.
Task Force on Local Impacts of Carbon Capture and Sequestration
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2023
1:00 P.M.
ROOM A-B
AGENDA
- I. CALL TO ORDER
- II. ROLL CALL
- III. DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RAISED IN PRIOR MEETINGS OF TASK FORCE
- IV. RECEIVING INFORMATION FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
- V. ADJOURNMENT
Now’s the time to get involved
This could all be over in mid-February. As such, there are very limited opportunities for average citizen voices to be heard on these new, experimental “Green New Deal” programs. The federal government is pushing hard to make these things happen, and Louisiana appears to be one of their major targets. If you’re concerned because this is happening right in your backyard, then you need to show up and bring a crowd.
It’s important because, as we’ve seen in Livingston Parish, residents don’t appreciate being guinea pigs. Some have gone so far as to conjecture that Buddy Mincey lost his bid for state senate over his blind support for such a project in Lake Maurepas. Unfortunately, if the committee and senate get this wrong, it will be four long years before the public will be able to hold them accountable at the polls. However, good elected officials also know and regularly apply Theodore Roosevelt’s advice. That is, “The most successful politician is he who says what the people are thinking most often in the loudest voice.”
###
Who are your champions?
CFNL Board Member Jill Hines at the US Supreme Court with Liz Murrill and Jeff Landry
It's almost amusing to get emails suggesting that we're not grasping all of the implications of ongoing government censorship. Worse, we are accused of doing a disservice to our members and readers for not paying closer attention. Really!? Did you know that Citizens for a New Louisiana board member, Jill Hines, is actually a plaintiff in the famous Missouri v. Biden lawsuit about government censorship? She's also the primary plaintiff in Hines v. Stamos, where she and her attorneys at America First Legal are fighting against Kate Starbird. All of this has made countless major national news headlines.
Not only am I well apprised of this issue, but this organization is actually an active participant on the front lines by virtue of Jill Hines. Even years before that, it was Citizens for a New Louisiana that championed the Social Media Free Speech Act.
Now you'll know better the next time some flimflammer says Citizens for a New Louisiana doesn't believe the government is censoring you. Instead, please know that we can only continue this work with additional resources and support from friends like you. We don't just think Louisiana is worth saving, we're doing the work necessary to accomplish it; one little bit at a time. Are you on board? Here's your chance to prove it. Join our movement, or chip in monthly, so that this important work continues.
