The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) proposed two draft permits for test wells for carbon storage projects near Lafayette and Baton Rouge.

In a state that is becoming a hotspot for carbon dioxide sequestration projects, ExxonMobil planning at least two such projects – one in Iberville Parish and another in St. Landry Parish.

If approved, the permits would allow test wells to gather data to determine if the suit is suitable for underground storage for carbon dioxide derived from industry. Such storage is eligible for tax credits under former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, with increases in President Donald Trump’s spending package passed earlier this month.

The DENR is accepting public comments on both projects until 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 13.

For the Iberville project, the DENR will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. on Aug. 12 at the Carl F. Grant Civic Center in Plaquemine, Louisiana. See the public notice for more information.

For the St. Landry project, the DENR will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. on Aug. 12 at the LaSalle Building in Baton Rouge. Please see the public notice for more information.