CHPS of Insight: Navigating Carbon Capture in Louisiana

In this episode of CHPS of Insight, host Chris White speaks with Clark Hill Senior Counsel Colleen Jarrott and Onterris Energy and Critical Infrastructure Market Leader Ray Cheatham about carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) development in Louisiana.

The conversation centers on the ongoing moratorium on new Class VI applications, originally intended as a short pause while regulators reviewed roughly 34 pending applications. They discuss Louisiana’s advantages - industrial emitters, existing CO2 pipeline/EOR history, geology and workforce - while emphasizing safety, permitting rigor, public opposition and best practices such as strong pore space leases, early community engagement and regulator relationships.

Episode highlights

• Why Louisiana’s geology, industrial base, existing infrastructure and energy experience support carbon sequestration development
• How Class VI permitting evaluates groundwater protection, seismic risk, site conditions and long-term monitoring
• What regulatory uncertainty can mean for project investment, permitting timelines and development decisions
• Why early, transparent community engagement is an important part of building understanding and trust
• What project developers should consider as Louisiana’s legal and regulatory framework continues to evolve

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts