Common Questions about Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
Can companies take my land for CO₂ pipelines or storage?
No. Private property can only be taken for a public purpose, and owners must receive fair compensation. Courts ensure any project meets the strict legal test.
What is a “public purpose”?
A project benefits the general public—not just a single company. Oil and gas pipelines qualify even though they don’t connect to every home. CO₂ pipelines fall in the same category.
Who decides if a project has a public purpose?
The Louisiana Legislature sets the rules. Pipelines that serve more than one company can be designated common carriers.
How do companies get permission?
They must apply for a certificate of public convenience and necessity through the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, undergo a public hearing, and demonstrate they attempted to work with landowners.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations for Carbon Sequestration Fee Structures
Can CO₂ pipelines use eminent domain?
Yes, but rarely—and only for projects that meet strict public-benefit requirements. Landowners must receive compensation for the full extent of their loss, and courts have the final say.
More Resources
LSU Center for Energy Studies Report
The LSU Center for Energy Studies has released a new report on the economic impact of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) in Louisiana. The study finds that 13 announced industrial CCS projects, totaling $48 billion in investment, could support nearly 40,000 construction jobs per year over seven years and contribute $26.8 billion to the state’s economy. Once operational, these projects would sustain around 3,500 jobs and add $423 million annually to Louisiana’s Gross State Product. Existing facilities capable of CO2 capture could also see significant growth, supporting nearly 19,600 jobs and generating $1.5 billion in labor income. Building the infrastructure, including 35 sequestration wells and pipelines, would create about 2,000 construction jobs per year and contribute $1.8 billion to the state’s economy. The report highlights additional benefits for landowners and governments, with millions in CO2 injection payments and tax revenues. Even a partial CCS buildout could create nearly 17,000 jobs over 20 years and add $5.1 billion in labor earnings, showing the long-term economic potential of CCS for Louisiana.
CCUS Demystified: Louisiana Leading the Way
Recorded as part of the U.S. Energy Association’s CCUS Demystified series, this webinar highlights Louisiana’s leadership in carbon capture and storage (CCS). Experts from government, industry, and academia explain how CCS works, outline the state’s Class VI permitting authority, and discuss major projects, safety measures, and the role of carbon management in supporting economic growth and low-carbon development.