House Bill No. [insert bill number] authorizes parish governing authorities and citizens to determine the permitting of Class VI injection wells, carbon dioxide sequestration, and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide within their respective parishes. The bill enacts new provisions in R.S. 30, specifically sections 4(C)(17)(c), 1104(F), and 1104.3, which outline the authority of the Department of Conservation and Energy and establish local option procedures for permitting decisions. Notably, the bill stipulates that the secretary of the department cannot issue permits for these activities in parishes where they are prohibited by local governing authority resolutions or local option elections.

The proposed law allows parish governing authorities to adopt resolutions or ordinances to either permit or prohibit these activities, with any prohibitions taking effect immediately upon adoption. Additionally, it provides a mechanism for parish-wide elections to be held, either initiated by the governing authority or triggered by a petition from at least 15% of the qualified electors. The results of such elections will govern any conflicting decisions made by the governing authority for a period of five years. The bill also mandates that the governing authority notify the department of any resolutions, ordinances, or election results, ensuring that local determinations take precedence over conflicting state regulations.