WBR Chamber Hosts CCS Educational Webinar

On June 26, 2025, the West Baton Rouge Chamber hosted an educational webinar focused on carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and what it means for the future of the parish. The session featured two of Louisiana’s leading energy experts: Dr. Greg Upton from the LSU Center for Energy Studies and Dr. Mark Zappi from the UL Energy Institute of Louisiana.

Their discussion offered a clear, research‑based overview of how CCS works, why it is becoming an essential tool for industry, and what community members should know about potential local impacts.

The Live Oak CCS Hub is being developed with a commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and transparency. The project is designed to meet the highest standards in the industry, following rigorous state and federal regulations that guide safe CO₂ transportation and long‑term storage.

Beyond its environmental benefits, Live Oak CCS is expected to deliver meaningful economic value to West Baton Rouge Parish and the surrounding region:

  • Hundreds of construction job supported during development
  • Millions in economic activity generated locally
  • ~$11.6 million in local tax revenue over the three‑year construction period
  • Up to $9.5 million annually in new local tax revenue once operational—for 30 years

By enabling local industry to reduce emissions, the hub helps employers remain competitive, protect existing jobs, and attract new investment to the region.

The Live Oak CCS team remains committed to:

  • Safety in every aspect of the project
  • Transparency, including ongoing engagement with residents, landowners, and community leaders
  • Supporting economic growth for West Baton Rouge and the state of Louisiana

We’re grateful to the West Baton Rouge Chamber for hosting this important conversation and to Dr. Upton and Dr. Zappi for sharing their expertise. We encourage the community to watch the recording and stay engaged as we continue working together to build a stronger, more sustainable future.