Senate Bill No. 63, introduced by Senator Wheat, aims to prohibit the construction of carbon dioxide pipelines within specific wildlife management areas in Louisiana. The bill enacts a new section, R.S. 56:109.5, which explicitly states that no person shall construct a pipeline for the purpose of transporting carbon dioxide within the boundaries of the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area, Joyce Wildlife Management Area, and Manchac Wildlife Management Area. This legislation is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

The proposed law retains existing regulations concerning the establishment and maintenance of wildlife management areas, as well as the regulatory authority related to wildlife propagation, protection, and harvest. By prohibiting pipeline construction in these designated areas, the bill seeks to protect the ecological integrity of these vital habitats from potential industrial impacts.