Healthy Gulf Sues Louisiana Over CO2 Pipeline in Wildlife Area.
Healthy Gulf, an environmental advocacy group based in New Orleans, has filed a lawsuit against the state of Louisiana, challenging the approval of a CO2 pipeline project that would cut through the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
This legal action, filed in the 19th Judicial District Court, argues that state agencies overstepped their legal authority when granting permission for the pipeline.
The Proposed CO2 Pipeline and Air Products’ $4.5 Billion Project
The dispute centers around a pipeline associated with Air Products, an international chemical manufacturer. The company is planning to build a $4.5 billion blue ammonia and blue hydrogen facility in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, which will also include a carbon capture and storage project. The facility is expected to begin operations by 2028.
As part of this project, Air Products intends to construct a pipeline that would start in Ascension Parish, travel through the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area, and eventually link to a carbon storage site beneath Lake Maurepas, located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Legal and Environmental Concerns
The Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area was established in part through land acquisitions made by the state between 2001 and 2011, specifically designated for conservation.
Healthy Gulf argues that the land was intended to remain undeveloped and free from commercial projects. The group contends that the state’s decision to approve the CO2 pipeline violates agreements that preserve the land's natural state.
In 2021, state agencies entered into a CO2 storage agreement with Air Products, which included provisions allowing the construction of the pipeline through the wildlife area. In 2024, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) approved the project, issuing a letter of approval for the pipeline.
State Law vs. Conservation Commitments
The lawsuit claims that the approval of the pipeline exceeds the state's legal authority. Healthy Gulf argues that while state law permits leasing land for CO2 storage, the wildlife management area is governed by separate laws that restrict changes to land donated for wildlife management purposes.
Represented by Earthjustice, Healthy Gulf maintains that these laws prohibit any commercial development, including the construction of pipelines, within the wildlife area.
The organization argues that allowing such a project would set a dangerous precedent for land-use changes that could undermine conservation efforts.
Environmental Impact and Legal Request
Healthy Gulf is concerned that the construction of the pipeline would cause irreparable harm to the ecosystem within the Maurepas Swamp. The area is known for its ecological importance, providing critical habitat for wildlife and supporting biodiversity.
As part of its legal action, Healthy Gulf is seeking a permanent injunction to block the pipeline's construction, urging the court to uphold the state's commitment to land preservation.
This lawsuit brings attention to the conflict between economic development and environmental protection, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation projects like carbon capture and storage. While the pipeline is part of Air Products' efforts to reduce carbon emissions, it also raises significant concerns about the long-term impacts on protected natural areas.
Air Products is a global leader in industrial gases and chemical manufacturing, headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1940, the company provides essential gases, equipment, and services to a wide range of industries, including energy, healthcare, food and beverage, electronics, and manufacturing.
Air Products' products are critical to a variety of applications, from fueling industrial processes to helping reduce emissions and advancing sustainability.
The company is particularly renowned for its contributions to hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage solutions, and clean energy technologies, playing a significant role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
With a focus on blue hydrogen and blue ammonia production, Air Products is investing heavily in technologies that support carbon-neutral solutions and help industries reduce their carbon footprints.
Air Products operates in more than 50 countries and is a key player in advancing the global energy transition. The company’s commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility continues to drive its growth and impact in sectors critical to the world's energy and environmental needs.
Healthy Gulf is an environmental advocacy organization based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1994, the group is dedicated to protecting and restoring the natural resources of the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding ecosystems.
Healthy Gulf works on a variety of environmental issues, including the protection of coastal wetlands, wildlife habitats, and air and water quality.
The organization plays a key role in advocating for stronger environmental regulations, supporting local communities impacted by industrial pollution, and addressing climate change impacts in the Gulf region.
Through litigation, community engagement, and policy advocacy, Healthy Gulf aims to ensure the Gulf's waters, coastlines, and communities are safeguarded for future generations.
Healthy Gulf collaborates with local, state, and national partners to advance environmental justice and ensure that government and industry are held accountable for environmental harm. The group is also known for its active role in protecting the Maurepas Swamp and other ecologically important areas within Louisiana.
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