The bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding carbon dioxide sequestration by introducing new definitions and requirements aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness, groundwater quality monitoring, and financial security related to potential contamination. It adds definitions for "public water system" and "transmission pipeline," and mandates that both storage facilities and transmission pipelines develop emergency and remedial response plans, which must be shared with local governing authorities. Additionally, the bill requires annual training exercises for operators and stipulates that necessary emergency response equipment must be available to local fire departments before injection operations can commence.

Furthermore, the bill replaces previous groundwater monitoring requirements with a more comprehensive approach that includes the establishment of remediation plans for groundwater contamination, regular monitoring of underground drinking water sources, and the provision of safe drinking water if contamination occurs. It also mandates that storage facility operators obtain financial security to cover costs associated with contamination, including remediation and damages to public water systems. The Louisiana State Law Institute is tasked with renumbering and alphabetizing the definitions in the law as necessary.

Statutes affected:
HB696 Original: 30:2(A)
HB696 Engrossed: 30:2(A)