In the race to build a more competitive energy economy, carbon capture and storage is no longer a theory — it’s a race. And in that race, Texas is gaining fast on Louisiana.
CCS is vital to the future of heavy industry — cement, steel, refining, and chemical production — sectors that form the economic backbone of Louisiana. But without consistent support, streamlined permitting, and a clear path to project development, the state risks watching opportunity drift across the Sabine River into Texas.
For two years, Louisiana has held the advantage. It was one of the first three states in the nation to gain primacy from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — the authority to permit and oversee Class VI wells used for long-term CO2 storage. The Bayou State has the infrastructure, deep geologic formations, and the bulk of a CO2 pipeline network next-generation energy sector.
But in the time since Louisiana received primacy, Texas and other states are surging forward. With Oxy receiving a Class VI well permit from the EPA in the Lone Star State and more than 60 additional Class VI well applications pending, Texas is positioning itself to leap ahead in CCS deployment.
The EPA is also expected to issue Texas Class VI well primacy before the end of this year, putting Texas in position to take the lead — not just in approving projects, but in signaling to industry that the Lone Star State is open for CCS business.
And it’s not just Texas. States like North Dakota and Wyoming already have approved wells and millions of tons of carbon are being stored there. West Virginia, Arizona, and New Mexico are advancing policies and partnerships to attract CCS investment. In the Southeast region, Mississippi and Alabama are right behind Texas in building out primacy programs.
So what’s at stake for Louisiana?
Plenty. Today, over 320 industrial facilities in Louisiana are suitable for CCS. With up to 4,500 CCS-related jobs forecasted across the state, this is about more than fostering cleaner energy and manufacturing sectors — it’s about jobs, investment, and long-term industrial viability.
In a global marketplace increasingly demanding low-carbon products, CCS is our bridge to keeping refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturers not just open, but competitive. In fact, for many industries like low-carbon steel manufacturers or data centers with low carbon goals, CCS is the only viable emissions reduction solution available today.
Yet the window is closing. Without swift action to streamline permitting, build public confidence, and fully support the agencies overseeing these projects, Louisiana risks losing not just investment, but long-term industry partners and much-needed tax revenue for local communities.
While the Legislature still has some work to do,Texas isn’t just preparing for the future — it’s actively building it. State lawmakers passed bipartisan legislation empowering the Railroad Commission to regulate Class VI wells and mandating a primacy application.
If Louisiana hesitates while Texas advances, we won’t just lose projects — we’ll lose the engineers, pipefitters, and geologists that make those projects possible. Without action, our workforce and investment dollars could increasingly flow westward, leaving the state behind in an industry we’re uniquely positioned to lead.
If Louisiana wants to maintain its leadership in American energy, we need to match that level of urgency.
Meghan Thacker is a Senior Advisor for the Consumer Energy Alliance. The Consumer Energy Alliance is the trusted voice advocating for affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy solutions that benefit all Americans.
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
