(By Representative Brett Geymann in Citizens for a New Louisiana)
How did we get here? What exactly are we fighting against?
These questions lie at the heart of the climate agenda and the growing push for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). It’s time to call balls and strikes.
To my surprise, Dr. Scott Kelly from Cambridge recently testified before the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, and his message was clear: the goal is to end the use of fossil fuels as quickly as possible and enforce financial disclosures about corporate net-zero policies. He emphasized the need to manage climate-related risks to the global supply chain. U.S. corporations are taking note. Many are accelerating their push toward net-zero not because they’re required to, but because the global market increasingly demands it.
This helps explain why we often hear from industry about “market forces” driving the shift. But let’s be honest, these are desires, not mandates.
Where Are the Defenders of Private Property?
This raises a serious question: where are the associations that have traditionally represented business interests, the oil and gas industry, and pro-growth policies? Many have abandoned private property rights and local control in favor of European-style economics, forsaking the principles that make America the greatest country in the world.
In their pursuit of profit, some companies have aligned themselves with a process that risks ending America’s energy dominance, especially in oil and gas. All while claiming it’s a “natural transition.”
In the search for jobs, many community leaders have thrown their full support behind CCS, often disregarding the concerns of citizens. The most intense opposition stems from the use of eminent domain and the absence of a public vote. We can absolutely be pro-industry while still defending private property rights, despite what some in industry leadership suggest. This is not an either/or issue.
Some things are worth fighting for. Some things are worth dying for. And some things are worth neither. Our Founding Fathers believed private property was worth dying for. That principle shouldn’t be watered down just because it’s politically inconvenient or economically expedient.
Constitutional Rights Are Not Optional
Regardless of one’s stance on CCS, we should never overlook constitutional rights. Industry leaders should support legislation that prioritizes transparency and safety, and reject any policy that allows the use of property without the landowner’s consent, regardless of the economic promise. This commitment must come from industry, communities, and the legislature alike.
Protecting private property rights should be something we’re all in on.
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Brett Geymann introduced HB601 during the 2025 regular session to address Carbon Capture and Sequestration issues. While that bill didn’t pass, Senator Bob Hensgens‘ SB244 ultimately incorporated several landowner-friendly provisions from HB601, making it more difficult for Carbon Capture and Sequestration projects to use expropriation.