House Bill No. by Representative Schamerhorn seeks to amend existing laws regarding eminent domain authority related to carbon dioxide sequestration. The bill proposes to remove the authority for expropriation of property for carbon dioxide sequestration and the transportation of carbon dioxide through pipelines for geologic sequestration. It also eliminates the declaration of public interest and public purpose associated with carbon dioxide sequestration. Specifically, the bill amends R.S. 19:2 and R.S. 30:1102(A) and 1104(C), while repealing R.S. 19:2(11) and R.S. 30:1108 entirely.

The proposed changes reflect a significant shift in policy, as it removes the previous legal framework that supported the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide projects. The bill indicates that the geologic storage of carbon dioxide, previously deemed in the public interest, will no longer be recognized as such under Louisiana law. This legislative action aims to restrict the ability of corporations and entities to expropriate land for carbon dioxide-related activities, thereby altering the landscape of energy conservation efforts in the state.

Statutes affected:
HB380 Original: 19:2, 30:1102(A), 30:1104(C), 19:2(11)