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Panel approves bill clarifying venue for eminent domain in carbon-capture cases
Summary
The committee voted to report HB 304 favorably after Representative Robbie Carter said the measure clarifies that expropriation (eminent domain) for carbon-capture pipelines should be handled in the parish where the property lies, aligning carbon capture venue with existing rules for oil and gas pipelines.
House Bill 304, authored by Representative Robbie Carter, would clarify that venue for claims involving expropriation for carbon-capture projects be in the parish where the affected property is located, not in Baton Rouge.
Representative Carter told the Senate Natural Resources Committee the bill addresses ambiguity created when carbon-capture pipeline authority language was added to statute. “I filed this bill to make sure we understand that if you're going to seize someone's property, that the venue is at the parish where the property is located, not in Baton Rouge,” Carter said, noting the state constitution entitles property owners to a jury of their peers in the parish where the land sits.
Opposition testimony from Patrick Rylin of the Louisiana Chemical Association argued the bill simply codifies existing law and, depending on placement in the code, could create confusion between expropriation venue (in parish) and unitization venue (in Baton Rouge). After debate, Representative Carter offered a substitute motion to move the bill favorably; there was no objection and the committee reported HB 304 favorably.
