Petition to Protect Louisiana from Carbon Capture Sequestration (CCS)

A Message To Governor Jeff Landry, Louisiana State Legislators, and Federal Representatives:

We, the concerned citizens of Louisiana, strongly oppose the proposed carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects in our state.

As our local leaders, we urge you to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our communities , particularly our children, by stopping the proposed Central Louisiana Regional Carbon Storage Hub. 

Threats to Our Community and Health:
- Death and injury from CO2 leaks, respiratory problems, neurological damage, and developmental delays in children
- Health impacts, including increased cancer risk, respiratory issues, and mental health concerns
- Economic consequences, such as soil contamination, reduced fertility, and decreased property values
- Contamination of aquifers, which supply drinking water to our communities

Threats to Our Wildlife and Environment:
- Habitat disruption and destruction in our beloved Sportsman's Paradise
- Species extinction
- Disrupted migration patterns
- Lake pollution and contamination
- Contamination of fish habitats and commercial/recreational fishing industries
- Risk of natural aquifer contamination and pollution

Threats to Native Peoples and Sacred Lands:
- Desecration of sacred sites and ancestral lands
- Disruption of traditional ways of life and cultural practices
- Threats to the health and well-being of Native American communities
- Violation of tribal sovereignty and self-determination

Threats to Private Property Rights:
- Eminent domain and involuntary pooling, allowing CCS companies to take control of private property without consent
- Property devaluation due to the risks associated with CO2 injection
- Loss of control over private property, as CCS companies gain access for injection and monitoring purposes

Corporate Threats to Our State:
Out-of-state corporations, including Aethon Energy, CapturePoint Solutions LLC, Danbury Green Energy LLC, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, Occidental Petroleum, and other CCS companies, are aggressively expanding their CCS operations in Louisiana, prioritizing profits over people. These corporations are exploiting our state's limited resources and lack of regulations, putting our health, environment, and private property rights at risk.

Unacceptable Liability Caps:
Corporations have lobbied for shockingly low liability caps, valuing our lives at:
- $500,000 for death
- $250,000 for injury

To us, the value of human life, especially our children's, is priceless.

Contamination Risks:
- Seismic activity and induced earthquakes
- Groundwater contamination from injection wells
- Surface leakage and accidental releases
- Long-term storage risks and uncertainty

Violation of the Clean Drinking Water Act:
CCS projects pose a significant threat to our drinking water sources, violating the Clean Drinking Water Act. We demand that our state and federal representatives take immediate action to protect our right to clean drinking water.

Demands:
1. Complete ban on CCS in Louisiana: We demand an immediate and permanent halt to all CCS projects in Louisiana.
2. Reverse House Bill 353 (HSB 353): We demand the reversal of HSB 353, which allows CCS companies to operate in Louisiana with inadequate regulations and oversight, prioritizing corporate interests over community well-being.
3. Reverse House Bill 492 (HSB 492): Protection of private property rights, ensuring landowners' consent for carbon sequestration activities.

Call to Action:
We urge every citizen to take immediate action:

1. Contact Your Local Police Jurors: This is the most critical step in our fight against CCS. Reaching out to your local police jurors and asking them join the Louisiana C02 Alliance to opt out of CCS projects in your parish is crucial. 

2. Contact Your Local Representatives: Reach out to your local state reps and demand action to stop CCS projects in Louisiana. Ask them about their stance on CCS, and if they support it, politely ask them to reconsider. Share your thoughts, opinions, and concerns with them. Be sure to email and leave a paper trail. 

3. Contact Governor Jeff Landry's Office: Email and call Governor Landry's office to express your opposition to CCS projects in Louisiana. Please note that due to his public support of CCS, Governor Landry may not respond to your inquiries. However, it is crucial that we leave a paper trail and document our efforts to reach out to him.

Governor Jeff Landry
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Phone: 1-225-342-0991
Email: governor@gov.louisiana.gov

I, the undersigned, oppose carbon capture and sequestration in the state of Louisiana, and demand that our elected officials prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, protect our beloved Sportsman's Paradise, and preserve the natural beauty and resources of Louisiana for future generations. By signing below, I stand united with my fellow citizens in defending our families, our heritage, and our way of life against the harmful impacts of carbon sequestration.

Signed: _______________________

"A threat to one parish is a threat to all. Carbon capture plans aim to inject poison into the veins of our state, threatening the very lifeblood of our communities. Let us stand united against this menace and fight for the future of Louisiana."

Sincerely,

The People of Louisiana

Notable Sources:

- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) - "Carbon Dioxide Exposure"
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - "Carbon Dioxide"
- World Health Organization (WHO) - "Air Pollution"
- Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) - "Carbon Sequestration"
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - "Ocean Acidification"

Copyright 2024 [The People of Louisiana]. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for non-commercial, non-profit use and distribution of this petition, provided it remains unchanged and in its entirety.

*Prepared with digital assistance*