Pineville, LA – On the first day to prefile legislation for the 2026 Regular Session, Speaker Pro Temp Mike Johnson (District 27) filed three bills addressing carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), fulfilling a commitment he made to constituents and local leaders.

One bill, titled the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, protects private property by prohibiting the use of eminent domain by private entities for carbon capture projects and CO pipelines. The bill ensures that land for these projects may only be acquired through voluntary agreements with landowners.

The remaining two bills focus on local decision-making. One grants the governing authority of Rapides Parish clear authority to determine whether CCS projects may be permitted within the parish. The second establishes a statewide local option, allowing parish governing authorities-and, when called, the voters themselves—to decide whether CCS projects are allowed in their communities.

“These bills are about fairness, property rights, and respect for local voices,” Johnson said. “No private company should have the power to force a family off their land, and no community should be sidelined when decisions directly affect their parish.”

Johnson emphasized that the legislation is not intended to block economic development, but to ensure it proceeds in a responsible and transparent manner.

“These bills are not anti-industry,” Johnson said. “They are pro-property rights, pro- local government, and pro-Louisiana families. Economic development should be built on voluntary agreements-not forced land seizures-and local communities deserve a seat at the table.”
Johnson stated that he expects broad support in the Legislature and expressed appreciation for colleagues who have agreed to join him as coauthors at his request, including Representatives Gabe Firment, Jason DeWitt, Rhonda Butler, Rodney Schamerhorn, and Chuck Owen.

“I filed these bills because I listened to the people I represent, and I take their concerns seriously,” Johnson said. “I will do everything in my power to see these bills pass and become law, because protecting private property and respecting local decision-making are core Louisiana values.”