Authorizes the governing authority of Sabine Parish to determine whether carbon dioxide sequestration and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide may be permitted within the parish

HB 504 enacts three new provisions into Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 30 that establish a local option procedure allowing Sabine Parish to prohibit carbon dioxide injection wells, geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, and carbon dioxide pipelines within its jurisdiction. The bill amends R.S. 30:4(C)(17)(c) to make the secretary of the Department of Conservation and Energy's authority over carbon dioxide-related permitting subject to local option procedures; adds R.S. 30:1104(F) to prohibit the secretary from issuing permits, orders, or certificates for Class VI injection wells, carbon dioxide sequestration, or carbon dioxide pipelines in any parish that has adopted a prohibition through the local option procedure; and creates an entirely new R.S. 30:1104.3 that specifically authorizes the Sabine Parish governing authority to adopt by resolution or ordinance a determination of whether such facilities may be located within the parish.

The practical effect is that the Sabine Parish Police Jury, exercising its police power to protect public health, safety, and welfare, can now prohibit Class VI injection wells, carbon dioxide sequestration activities, and carbon dioxide transport pipelines from operating within parish boundaries. The parish governing authority must notify the Department of Conservation and Energy of any resolution or ordinance it passes for this purpose, and any prohibition becomes effective immediately upon adoption. The statute expressly provides that local prohibitions supersede and preempt any conflicting state or local law, regulation, or departmental action, and that no previously submitted applications, option agreements, or preliminary approvals can create vested rights that would circumvent a parish prohibition adopted under this section.

This legislation operates within the existing regulatory framework established in Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 30, which grants the Department of Conservation and Energy authority to permit and regulate Class VI injection wells and carbon dioxide pipelines for both geologic storage and enhanced oil recovery purposes. HB 504 carves out a specific exception to that state agency authority by elevating local control for Sabine Parish above state permitting authority. The bill includes a severability clause ensuring that if any provision is invalidated, the remaining provisions continue in effect, and it becomes effective upon the governor's signature or upon expiration of the governor's time to act, consistent with Article III, Section 18 of the Louisiana Constitution.