Senate Bill No. 61, introduced by Senator Wheat, aims to empower parish governing authorities and citizens to make determinations regarding the permitting of Class VI injection wells, carbon dioxide sequestration, and carbon dioxide pipelines within their respective parishes. The bill enacts new provisions in the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 30:4(C)(17)(c), 1104(F), and 1104.3, which establish local option procedures for these determinations. Under the proposed law, a parish governing authority can pass an ordinance to prohibit such activities, which would take effect immediately upon adoption. Additionally, citizens can initiate a parish-wide election to decide on the permitting of these activities, with the election being called either by the governing authority or upon a petition signed by at least fifteen percent of the qualified electors.

The bill also stipulates that if a majority of voters choose to prohibit Class VI wells, carbon dioxide sequestration, or pipelines, such prohibitions will be effective upon certification of the election results. Furthermore, it establishes that any conflicting actions taken by a parish governing authority will be overridden by the results of the election for a period of five years. The Department of Conservation and Energy is required to be notified of any ordinances or election results, and the local determinations made under this bill will take precedence over any conflicting state or local laws. The bill is set to become effective upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action.