House Bill No. 601, introduced by Representative Geymann, amends existing laws related to carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in Louisiana. The bill specifically modifies the expropriation authority for entities involved in CO2 transportation and storage. It removes the ability of transporters of CO2 for geologic storage to expropriate property, thereby prohibiting them from using eminent domain for this purpose. Additionally, the bill clarifies that only domestic entities can be considered expropriating authorities, explicitly excluding foreign-owned entities from this power. The bill also requires transporters to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity before constructing CO2 storage pipelines, and it mandates that they provide specific notice to property owners regarding their rights before executing agreements for land use.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that the issuance of a certificate does not grant the authority to use eminent domain, thereby reinforcing the prohibition on expropriation for CO2 storage pipelines. The amendments aim to ensure that property owners are adequately informed of their rights and that the process for constructing CO2 pipelines is regulated to protect public interests. Overall, the bill seeks to balance the development of carbon sequestration projects with the rights of property owners in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB601 Original: 19:2(10), 30:1107(B)
HB601 Engrossed: 19:2(10), 30:1107(B), 30:1108(A)(1)