Pineville, LA (6/9/2025) — As public concern intensifies over a proposed carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project at the former International Paper plant in Pineville, State Representative Mike Johnson has issued a statement clarifying his position, recent votes, and expectations for public involvement.
Johnson said he plans to host a community-wide meeting later this month featuring professionals in the CCS field. His response follows a recent UrbanCast Let’s Talk Show episode featuring citizen concerns over safety, transparency, and the use of eminent domain.
The representative confirmed he voted this week on an amendment designed to make eminent domain more difficult to use for carbon capture infrastructure, emphasizing his commitment to protecting private property owners.
He referenced an earlier CCS proposal tied to CLECO-owned land, which he supported because it was entirely on private property and included a promise of 200 jobs. That project has since been paused.
Addressing the current proposal from SunGas Renewables, Johnson acknowledged that the original presentation to the public focused heavily on job creation and the promise of a green energy investment, without highlighting the specifics of carbon dioxide capture, transport, and underground storage.
While SunGas did include a statement in its January 2023 press release noting the project would involve the sequestration of nearly a million tons of CO₂ per year “executed by Denbury Carbon Solutions,” that detail was not central to the initial public rollout.
Community Expressed Concerns
Community members have since expressed concern as more technical details have emerged, particularly regarding the long-term safety of storing CO₂ underground and the possible expansion of pipeline infrastructure near private property.
Johnson clarified that SunGas has not yet purchased the site, and that construction would not begin before 2027. He also noted the project would require multiple layers of permitting and regulatory oversight before it could move forward.
“If a business can add 800 to 1,000 jobs and be safe, I will of course be for this for our people,” Johnson said. “But the safety issue is something with real opposing points, and I intend to find out more.”
He reaffirmed his stance on protecting private property rights and opposing the use of eminent domain, referencing a recent conversation with House Natural Resources Chairman Jean-Paul Geymann.
UrbanCast has extended an invitation for Rep. Johnson to appear on Let’s Talk following the conclusion of the current legislative session.
Previous Article: Nearly $2 billion facility to bring jobs and economic investment eto Central Louisiana through energy innovation delivering lower-carbon marine fuels
