What is the Deal with "This Carbon Stuff"?

Louisiana has become ground zero for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects — massive industrial efforts to inject captured carbon dioxide deep underground. While these projects are often marketed as “climate solutions,” they raise serious environmental, safety, and community concerns that residents can’t afford to ignore.

CCS pipelines and injection wells are being planned across the state, in areas that already face disproportionate environmental burdens. The long-term impacts of storing carbon underground remain largely untested, and the risk of leaks, groundwater contamination, or pressure build-up could threaten both public health and local ecosystems.

Meanwhile, carbon capture allows the same polluting industries to continue emitting greenhouse gases rather than transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources. Residents are also left questioning who truly benefits—corporations seeking federal tax credits, or the people living near these sites.

With Louisiana’s rich wetlands, drinking water sources, and coastal communities at stake, it’s critical that citizens demand transparency, strong safety regulations, and real community input before any project moves forward.