House passes Kennedy resolution to repeal Biden admin rule targeting offshore oil and gas production

“In waging war on oil and gas producers, the Biden administration drove up prices for families and jeopardized our energy security. I am proud to see that the House passed my resolution to help bring back America’s energy dominance, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.” 

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives today passed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to reverse the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) rule that targeted oil and gas production in the outer continental shelf. The resolution passed with bipartisan support, and it now moves to the president’s desk for signing.

“In waging war on oil and gas producers, the Biden administration drove up prices for families and jeopardized our energy security. I am proud to see that the House passed my resolution to help bring back America’s energy dominance, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law,” said Kennedy. 

Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) introduced the companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

"Congress has taken a decisive step to protect American energy independence and support our workers. By overturning Biden's BOEM's overreaching rule, we are unleashing our nation’s vast resources, they tried to handcuff with red tape, driving up costs, stifling innovation, and making us more dependent on foreign energy. I look forward to President Trump taking swift action to sign this resolution into law. Together, we are reaffirming our commitment to an energy policy that prioritizes American jobs, economic growth, and national security,” said Ezell.

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) helped introduce the resolution in the Senate.

“House passage of our resolution of disapproval moves us another step forward in overturning Biden’s regulatory assault on oil and gas production in the Gulf.  I look forward to President Trump signing this resolution while we look for other policies we can repeal,” said Hyde-Smith.

Background:

• On Sept. 3, 2024, the Biden administration published a rule requiring all new oil and gas leaseholders on the outer continental shelf to submit an archaeological report to the BOEM before drilling or laying pipelines. The rule burdens lessees with conducting costly surveys for marine archaeological resources, such as shipwrecks or “cultural resources.” 

• This rule replaces BOEM’s long-standing policy of requiring oil and gas operators to conduct archaeological surveys only when there was a “reason to believe” that an archaeological resource may be present. 

• The Biden administration admitted that this rule would harm small oil and gas producers most, writing, “100 percent of the increased Gulf of [America] compliance cost . . . would be borne by operators that are small entities.” Small and independent operators account for one-third of all oil production in the Gulf of America.

• On Feb. 4, 2025, Kennedy introduced his CRA joint resolution of disapproval to repeal the rule. This is one of more than 225 harmful regulations that the Biden administration levied against the oil and natural gas industry.

Kennedy reacts to joint address to Congress: “President Trump has given us a blueprint”

“President Trump has given us a blueprint. Now, it's going to be up to Congress to ensure that these changes last. I'm going to do everything within my power to help permanently get rid of this wasteful spending, renew the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, rebuild our military and secure our border for generations to come.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today made the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.

“President Trump has given us a blueprint. Now, it's going to be up to Congress to ensure that these changes last. I'm going to do everything within my power to help permanently get rid of this wasteful spending, renew the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, rebuild our military and secure our border for generations to come.

“It’s only been six weeks, but the changes in Washington and throughout the country have been breathtaking. For example, arrests at the border have plummeted to the lowest levels in more than five years.

“President Trump and his team have also uncovered billions of dollars in wasteful spending—I call it spending porn—including the government’s erroneous payments to deceased people.

“In addition to cutting spending and securing the border, President Trump has also replaced hundreds of harmful executive orders from President Biden and issued new ones that will unleash American energy production and support economic growth.

“I think most Louisianians are thrilled to see some common sense return to Washington, D.C. I've said it many times: Common sense is illegal in Washington, D.C., so it's nice to have some of it for a change.”

Trump's Energy 'Emergency' Sets Up Carbon Capture as a Solution

President Donald Trump’s executive orders and energy “emergency” declaration signal the US is going to expand the carbon capture and sequestration policies he focused on during his first administration.

Carbon capture refers to the process of removing carbon dioxide from fuel production, fuel combustion processes, and ambient air streams. The captured carbon can either be compressed into liquid and then injected for permanent geologic sequestration in deep sub-surface formations, or used for enhanced oil recovery and product manufacturing.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which Trump signed, expanded Section 45Q tax credits so a credit could be computed per metric ton of qualified carbon oxide captured and sequestered, rather than exclusively for CO2. The Department of Energy in 2020 also supported so-called “clean fossil” power generation technologies such as natural gas and blue ammonia in combination with carbon capture processes.

Trump’s latest executive orders promote energy supply solutions that integrate with and are supported by carbon capture, creating optimism those technologies will receive renewed support. By declaring a national energy emergency, Trump directed the heads of executive departments and agencies to exercise any lawful emergency or other lawful authorities “to facilitate the identification, leasing, siting, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy resources.”

The executive order defines energy as “crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products, uranium, coal, biofuels, geothermal heat, the kinetic movement of flowing water, and critical minerals.” Many of these energy sources are well-suited for a carbon capture component.

Meanwhile, Rep. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) reintroduced legislation to promote fossil fuel and nuclear energy development, signaling a push for energy supply that integrates with carbon capture technologies.

There has been continued bipartisan support for carbon capture and related sequestration since the Obama administration’s Environmental Protection Agency adopted the Class VI CO2 injection well permitting program critical to carbon capture projects in 2010. The 2024 Carbon Dioxide Removal Investment Act established a new production tax credit for carbon removal technology, and there is a general expectation the tax credits for carbon capture under the Inflation Reduction Act will remain intact despite the change in administration.

Another factor contributing to optimism for broader deployment is that permitting, an often costly and time-consuming process, may be streamlined. Trump directed federal agencies to eliminate delays and expedite processing of federal permits for projects essential to the nation’s economy or national security 

As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to prioritize issuing permits that support fossil fuel energy sources, as well as permits for technologies that integrate with such sources, such as Class VI CO2 injection well permits. The EPA likely will delegate its authority, known as primacy, to a greater number of states beyond the current four (West Virginia, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Louisiana) to issue Class VI permits at the state level, further expediting the permitting process.

However, challenges remain for widespread carbon capture deployment. While technologies such as amine CO2 stripping and CO2 injection for enhanced oil recovery are well-established with mature permitting processes, deep CO2 injection for permanent sequestration is a more recent development and faces technical, supply chain, and regulatory hurdles.

Beyond such project development considerations, some stakeholders view carbon capture processes as controversial because they encourage continued use of fossil energy resources and raise concerns about the safety of deep CO2 injection, notwithstanding the safety requirements imposed by the Class VI permitting regulations.

Despite these challenges and uncertainties, progress in carbon capture technology has been notable, driven by policy support and growing industry interest. In 2022, GE Gas Power received $5.7 million in federal funding for a study on retrofitting Alabama Power’s James M. Barry Electric Generating Plant to capture up to 95% of its CO2 emissions.

New carbon capture opportunities are also rising from the growing energy demand of data centers supporting artificial intelligence. Engine No. 1 and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. recently announced a partnership to develop natural gas power plants for data centers on a site that is compatible with lower-carbon solutions such as carbon capture.

The trend of promoting carbon capture projects domestically and globally will likely continue. McKinsey & Co. anticipates that annual investment in carbon capture, utilization, and storage could reach $175 billion by 2035. A recent report from ResearchAndMarkets.com forecasts a 16% compound annual growth rate in the carbon capture market from 2024 to 2031, with North America and Europe leading the growth.

Although the new administration’s energy policy is evolving, its focus on affordable and reliable energy supply, especially through fossil fuels, suggests that integrating carbon capture technology into both new and existing projects will become more viable both commercially and technically.

Author Information

Anastasia Slivker is partner at Norton Rose Fulbright focused on renewable energy and infrastructure transactions and other corporate matters.

Scott Burton is co-head of Norton Rose Fulbright’s environmental and mass tort practice in the US.

Siyi Zhu is an associate at Norton Rose Fulbright.

Governor Jeff Landry Introduces Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

A tremendous step forward for fiscal responsibility.

Baton Rouge, LA— Ahead of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, Governor Jeff Landry addressed his annual budget plan. This budget was built on the goal of flat funding for this fiscal year when compared to the last year and continues the trend of decreasing the overall amount of money that our government spends. Specifically, the budget to be presented Thursday, based on the goal of flat funding, will show that with Total State Funds (State General Fund, Fees and Self-Generated Revenues, and Statutory Dedications): 

- We decreased total state funds by $1 billion, when including carryforwards 

- We decreased total state funds by over $400 million, excluding carryforwards 

Federal funds increased because of efficiencies in the RESTORE program. This comes as a result of the work we continue to pursue in improving state government operations. 

Governor Landry’s address can be found HERE. 

Full Text Below: 

Hi everyone, Governor Jeff Landry here.  

With the help of the Legislature, during my first year as Governor we have made MAJOR progress.  

We’ve introduced the largest single jobs and economic development project in the history of our state with the Meta investment in North Louisiana.  

We changed our criminal justice system to focus on the victims more than criminals. 

Our education reforms are giving us the best test scores in a generation. 

We provided the largest tax cut in our state’s history! 

And that work will continue with a YES vote from you on Amendment TWO in the statewide election on March 29th 

Your vote is a vote to gain a permanent tax cut, a permanent teacher pay raise, and a permanent government growth limit. 

All of this is in addition to the fiscally responsible budget passed during my first year in office.  

As we begun to reign in runaway government spending—spending $2 billion dollars less than the previous year. 

Now, this week, my administration will further this work in presenting a Fiscal Year 2026 budget.  

This budget was built on the goal of flat funding for this fiscal year when compared to the last year and continues to the trend of decreasing the overall amount of money that we spend. 

This is a tremendous step forward for fiscal responsibility. 

This new budget will allow us to use any new revenue on non-recurring expenditures, such as continuing to lower the personal income tax rate even further OR by making investments in critical state infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water, and sewer systems. 

This was accomplished by finding efficiencies including…. 

Savings of over $11 million in the Louisiana Department of Health 

Over $1 million of savings in the Department of Energy and Natural Resources  

$2.3 million worth of savings in the Division of Administration  

There is still more work to be done. 

That is why I have created a fiscal responsibility program, and I have appointed a Budget Czar to review government expenditures and seek even greater efficiencies.  

I conducted a similar review as the Attorney General and we achieved significant savings.  

I expect we will again achieve great results. 

I continue to be focused on turning our State around - working with my team, the Legislature, and our people to make Louisiana a great state with a growing economy and strong revenue. 

To accomplish this, we must continue making these structural reforms. 

I believe our budget once again sets us on the right path toward fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity.  

I look forward to working with our Legislature to achieve these goals. 

It is going to be a great year! 

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS SUPPORTS AG MURRILL AND WOMEN'S HEALTH

Illegal Access to Abortion Pills Threatens Women and the Rule of Law

BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Freedom Caucus stands in resolute support of Attorney General Liz Murrill in her courageous and principled decision to pursue legal action against a New York doctor accused of illegally distributing abortion pills to women in Louisiana. We commend Attorney General Murrill for her leadership and commitment to justice. Her actions send a clear message: no one is above the law in Louisiana.

“Louisiana has enacted clear laws reflecting the will of our people to protect preborn life and regulate the practice of medicine within our borders,” said Rep. Beryl Amedée, Chairwoman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “These laws are not suggestions; they are binding statutes, democratically established to ensure the safety of women and the preservation of human life and dignity.”

“This case raises profound ethical questions about the unfettered distribution of abortion pills,” said Sen. Valarie Hodges, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “As we have seen in Louisiana from women being hospitalized due to these drugs, there is a direct and serious risk to women’s health which our laws were designed to mitigate.”

“Attorney General Murrill’s decision to prosecute is a necessary stand against a growing trend of external actors attempting to undermine our state authority,” said Rep. Julie Emerson, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “Louisiana will not bow to external pressures or tolerate illegal schemes that threaten our people.”

“By holding this doctor accountable, AG Murrill is not only enforcing the law but also safeguarding the well-being of Louisiana women who deserve care, not exploitation,” said Rep. Dodie Horton, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “The actions of this New York doctor represent a flagrant violation of those statutes and an affront to the rights of Louisianans to govern ourselves.”

“This case is a vital defense of the sanctity of life, state sovereignty, and the integrity of our legal system,” said Rep. Kathy Edmonston, founding member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “If a doctor in New York can choose to flout Louisiana’s laws, what prevents similar overreach in other areas of public health, safety, or justice?”

“Freedom does not mean breaking the law, nor does it justify endangering lives,” said Rep. Kellee Hennessy Dickerson, member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “As Louisiana legislators, we have the Constitutional responsibility and duty to protect our residents from those who would treat our citizens as pawns in their ideological game.”

LAGOP Endorses Constitutional Amendments

The Republican Party of Louisiana has endorsed the following constitutional amendments for the March 29th election:

Amendment 1: Out-of-State Lawyer Discipline/Specialty Courts
A vote for allows the Louisiana Supreme Court to discipline out-of-state lawyers for unethical legal practices committed in this state, and additionally allows the Legislature to establish trial courts with limited or specialized jurisdiction with a 2/3 vote. 

Amendment 2: Tax Reform/Budget
A vote for enacts substantial revisions to the tax and budget sections of Louisiana's Constitution including decreasing the maximum income tax rate to 3.75%, establishing an additional tax deduction for citizens over age 65, creating a new limit on government spending, eliminating several state savings accounts and funding a permanent teacher salary increase through payment of state retirement debt. The amendment also provides optional local property tax exemptions for certain business inventory while retaining the homestead exemption, the special assessment level which prohibits increases in the assessed value of property owned by certain qualified property owners and exemptions for certain disabled veterans and religious organizations. 

Amendment 3: Juvenile Crime
A vote for allows the Legislature to determine which felony crimes result in a juvenile being tried as an adult.

Amendment 4: Judicial Elections
A vote for requires using the earliest election date available to fill a judicial vacancy.

Governor Jeff Landry Signs Extradition Warrant for New York Doctor

Baton Rouge, LA— At the request of Attorney General Liz Murrill and District Attorney Tony Clayton, Governor Jeff Landry has signed the extradition warrant for New York Doctor Margaret Carpenter. A grand jury in West Baton Rouge Parish indicted Carpenter for the charge of Criminal Abortion by Means of Abortion-Inducing Drugs, a violation of La. R.S. 14:87.9(A) and (B)(1), committed on or about April 5, 2024. Extradition warrant attached.

Governor Landry addressed the case, and his video can be found HERE. 

Promises Made, Promises Kept: Justice Coming for Crime Victims

Baton Rouge, LA— Today, Governor Jeff Landry is announcing that the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections has finalized and implemented an updated protocol that allows for the sentences of those on Death Row to be carried out. 

This Protocol for Executions of Death Sentences includes procedures for the nitrogen hypoxia method recently approved, in a bipartisan fashion, by the Louisiana Legislature. This allows Louisiana to keep its promises made to the victims of these horrific crimes and to the communities whose citizens unanimously agreed to impose the most severe punishment on those criminals. 

“For too long, Louisiana has failed to uphold the promises made to victims of our State’s most violent crimes; but that failure of leadership by previous administrations is over,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “The time for broken promises has ended; we will carry out these sentences and justice will be dispensed.” 

“These capital punishment cases have been reviewed at every judicial level, have had decades of unsuccessful appeals, and the death sentences affirmed by the courts,” continued Governor Landry. “I expect our DA’s to finalize these cases and the courts to move swiftly to bring justice to the crime victims who have waited for too long.” 

“I anticipate the national press will embellish on the feelings and interests of the violent death row murderers, we will continue to advocate for the innocent victims and the loved ones left behind,” concluded Governor Landry. 

A brief summary of Louisiana’s updated protocol, which builds upon Alabama’s constitutionally approved method, may be found attached to this release. 

Kennedy introduces resolution to repeal Biden admin rule targeting offshore oil and gas production

“By handcuffing Louisiana and America’s energy production, Pres. Biden hurt our national security and sent prices soaring. Congress must act quickly to reverse his lame-duck move to burden oil and gas producers with even more regulations.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to reverse the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) rule that targets oil and gas production on the outer continental shelf.

On Sept. 3, 2024, the Biden administration published its rule requiring all new oil and gas leaseholders on the outer continental shelf to submit an archeological report to the BOEM before production can begin. The rule burdens lessees with conducting costly surveys for marine archaeological resources, such as shipwrecks or “cultural resources.”

“By handcuffing Louisiana and America’s energy production, Pres. Biden hurt our national security and sent prices soaring. Congress must act quickly to reverse his lame-duck move to burden oil and gas producers with even more regulations,” said Kennedy.

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) joined the resolution.

“The Biden administration was in hyperdrive to finalize regulatory strangleholds on U.S. oil and gas production, one of which is this BOEM cultural survey requirement.  With the new Congress, I truly hope we can effectively use the Congressional Review Act to overturn this Biden rule and return some commonsense to our nation’s energy policies,” said Hyde-Smith.

Previously, the BOEM regional director only required leaseholders to issue an archeological report if a project had the potential to impact archeological resources. The Biden administration’s rule, which went into effect on Oct. 3, 2024, now requires all new oil and gas leaseholders to conduct reports. Existing leaseholders on the outer continental shelf have 11 months to comply with the regulation. 

Kennedy’s resolution to reverse the Biden administration’s rule would help make sure that BOEM does not handicap oil and gas producers’ ability to provide affordable energy to Americans.

Text of the resolution is available here. 

LOUISIANA STUDENTS ACHIEVE THEIR HIGHEST NATIONAL RANKINGS ON THE NATION’S REPORT CARD

Louisiana 4th graders lead the nation in reading growth again, now ranked 16th in the country

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - Louisiana students have achieved some of the most significant academic progress in the nation, according to data released today as part of The Nation’s Report Card. Widely regarded as the gold standard of assessments, these latest results measure math and reading proficiency among 4th and 8th grade students in the U.S. Louisiana’s students earned the state’s highest national rankings across both grade levels and subjects.

Governor Jeff Landry joined Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley for a press conference announcing the results today at Magnolia Woods Elementary in Baton Rouge.

“This is a historic achievement for our state and underscores the dedication of teachers and a laser focus on fundamental academic skills,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “While we are obviously pleased, we are not completely satisfied as there is more work to accomplish.”

Unprecedented National Rankings

The Nation’s Report Card measures 4th grade math, 4th grade reading, 8th grade math, and 8th grade reading. Louisiana saw its national rankings continue to rise in each subject and grade level.

4th Grade Math

• 2024: 38th

• 2022: 44th

• 2019: 50th

4th Grade Reading

• 2024: 16th

• 2022: 42nd

• 2019: 50th

8th Grade Math

• 2024: 43rd

• 2022: 45th

• 2019: 49th

8th Grade Reading

• 2024: 29th

• 2022: 39th

• 2019: 45th

Louisiana Among National Leaders

• Louisiana 4th graders led the nation in reading growth for the second consecutive cycle of The Nation’s Report Card. (2022 and 2024)

• Louisiana 4th graders were top five in the nation for math growth.

• Louisiana is one of only two states where 4th graders exceeded 2019 scores in reading and math.

• Louisiana is one of 14 states to post gains in 8th grade math.

• Louisiana students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outperformed the national average in both achievement and growth.

“These results demonstrate the power of a strong academic foundation and a relentless focus on academic excellence,” said Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Vice President Stacey Melerine. “I’m especially encouraged to see students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outpacing their national peers for growth and achievement.”

Back to the Basics and a Commitment to Collaboration

Louisiana’s academic progress reflects the state’s emphasis on foundational skills and its investment in educators.

• Literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading: Louisiana implemented a comprehensive literacy plan rooted in phonics, transforming how reading is taught statewide and equipping educators with the training to help students thrive.

• Foundational math instruction: The state’s math plan emphasized mastery of basic math skills, providing students with the time and tools necessary for long-term success in advanced math.

• Special education guidance: Louisiana’s Special Education Playbook for System Leaders received national recognition and offered educators practical tools to create high-quality learning environments for students with disabilities.

• Empowering educators: Louisiana has invested in professional learning to equip teachers and leaders with the skills to effectively leverage high-quality instructional materials while reducing bureaucracy, excessive trainings, and classroom disruptions.

“Our intentional focus on equipping teachers and leaders is one of the main factors that has translated into academic growth for Louisiana children,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson. “By providing educators with meaningful professional learning, coaching, and collaboration opportunities, we have supported them in using high-quality instructional materials in service of students.”

Looking Ahead

Louisiana has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to build on recent progress. Thanks to a substantial investment by the state legislature, Louisiana has expanded its high-dosage tutoring program to reach more schools and students. A new K-3 literacy screener has been launched to help identify and address early reading challenges. Building on its literacy success, Louisiana is introducing a K-3 math screener and statewide teacher training on foundational math instruction.

Louisiana also adopted a revised accountability system that will raise the bar for academic success, enhance the value of career education, and make it easier for the public to understand how schools are performing. Set to go into effect next school year, it has been called the strongest accountability system in the country by national education experts.

About The Nation’s Report Card

The Nation’s Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, is the only nationally representative assessment of student achievement over time for the nation, states, and selected large urban districts. A representative sample of students across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense (DoDea) schools take the assessment.

The math and reading assessments in 4th and 8th grades had been conducted every two years since 2003 until it was suspended due to the pandemic. The 2022 assessment was the first administered since the pandemic. 

LA FREEDOM CAUCUS TO CASSIDY: SUPPORT RFK, JR

BATON ROUGE—As Americans face a chronic disease epidemic, the US Senate is debating the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of HHS. The Louisiana Freedom Caucus sent a letter today urging Senator Cassidy’s support.

“America is in a health crisis and Louisiana is ranked as the least healthy state. We are gravely concerned! Our maternal and fetal health outcomes are the worst in the nation,” said Beryl Amedee, Freedom Caucus Chair. She added, “The majority of our state health budget is spent treating conditions that are completely preventable.”

The letter referenced data indicating that more than 43% of children in this country suffer from chronic disease. It also mentioned Americans’ loss of trust in public health and listed some of Kennedy’s practical solutions to reverse the health crisis and restore that trust, including freeing federal regulatory agencies from corporate influence and returning to evidence-based science.

“Kennedy has come to Louisiana and testified in Committee. He is clearly concerned about our health—especially the health of our children. And he has the right ideas to turn this crisis around! It is our hope that the Senate confirms Kennedy for HHS Secretary,” Amedee said.

Conservatives for Clean Energy: Louisiana’s Energy Future: Why Voter Awareness of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Matters

A recent survey of Louisiana Republicans and Independents reveals a significant knowledge gap when it comes to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), an essential technology for reducing emissions while maintaining energy production. The poll, conducted in November 2024, found that 31% of respondents had never heard of CCS, and 20% expressed no opinion on the technology. Despite this lack of awareness, support for CCS increases when voters learn more about its role in strengthening Louisiana's economy and energy sector.

What is CCS?
Carbon Capture and Storage is a process that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources—such as power plants and manufacturing facilities—and safely stores it underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere. CCS technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring continued energy production from traditional sources like oil and gas. Louisiana’s extensive industrial infrastructure and favorable geology make it an ideal location for CCS deployment.

Key Poll Findings:

• Awareness Gap: 31% of voters had never heard of CCS, and 20% had no opinion, highlighting the need for increased public education.

• Growing Support: Once educated on CCS benefits, voter support increases significantly.

• Economic Opportunity: 74% of respondents believe that accelerating clean energy growth, including CCS, positions Louisiana as a national leader in job creation and economic development.

Why CCS Matters for Louisiana:

• Economic Growth: CCS can attract investment, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and boost Louisiana's energy sector.

• Energy Independence: With 91% of Trump voters prioritizing energy independence, CCS provides a pathway to maintaining domestic energy production while meeting environmental goals.

·       Market Competitiveness: CCS technology helps key industries like petrochemicals and refining meet evolving emissions standards while maintaining a competitive edge.

The Path Forward

Despite the current awareness deficit, Louisiana has a significant opportunity to lead in CCS adoption. Educational campaigns, industry partnerships, and workforce training programs will be critical in bridging the knowledge gap and positioning Louisiana as a leader in this emerging field.

Kennedy receives “A+” rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America for standing for life

“Life is God’s greatest gift, and I’m proud to help protect it from extreme, left-wing attacks. I’m grateful for this ‘A+’ rating, and I’ll keep fighting hard for Louisiana’s pro-life values in the Senate.”

Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has earned an “A+” rating for his commitment to protecting the lives of the unborn through his pro-life legislative record during the 118th Congress.

The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s national scorecard recognizes lawmakers who have consistently championed life through their voting records and legislative leadership.

“Life is God’s greatest gift, and I’m proud to help protect it from extreme, left-wing attacks. I’m grateful for this ‘A+’ rating, and I’ll keep fighting hard for Louisiana’s pro-life values in the Senate,” said Kennedy.

During the 118th Congress, Kennedy co-sponsored bills to protect babies born alive after surviving an abortion, stop funding abortions overseas and block the government from using aborted babies’ tissue for research. In his roles on the Judiciary and Budget Committees, Kennedy defended pro-life states and highlighted the horrors of abortion.

Also in 2024, Kennedy joined amici briefs in support of an Idaho pro-life law under attack from the Biden administration and opposing the FDA’s efforts to make unsafe abortion pills available by mail.

Kennedy’s Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s scorecard is available here.

Sen. Blake Miguez Addressed Closed Primary System with LAGOP

Gov. Landry Issues State of Emergency In Response to Terrorist Attack on Bourbon Street

Will help utilize all available state resources 

Baton Rouge, La— Today, in response to the tragic terrorist attack that took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning, Governor Jeff Landry issued a State of Emergency in Orleans Parish. This will allow for the utilization of all available state resources ahead of Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras. It is the duty of the Governor to meet the dangers to the state that emergencies such as this present. This Administration is committed to providing every resource necessary to keep every person that visits or lives in this state safe. EO attached.

“From day one, my commitment to the people of this state has been that we will not look the other way. We will not allow heinous acts of crime such as the one this morning to dampen the Louisiana spirit and ruin our way of life. This Administration will not tolerate one of the jewel cities of the State to remain with these conditions. This state of emergency is a necessity in order to ensure that every single person, place, and street across the city of New Orleans is the most safe and secure in the world,” said Governor Landry.

See more here

Kennedy on Bourbon Street attack: It’s “objective evil”

 “I did talk to the Secretary of Homeland Security a little while ago, and I told him that . . . we expect to put the full force and resources of the federal government behind this investigation.”

NEW ORLEANS – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) made the following statements surrounding the attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans today:

“For those people who don't believe in objective evil, all you have to do is look at what happened in our city early this morning.”

“I'm here because these are my people. I'm here because these are my people's friends. I'm here because there are a lot of Louisianians that are scared tonight. I don't want them to be. There's a lot of information going around. Some of it is actually true. Some of it isn't. 

“The federal government is now in charge of this investigation. By that, I mean the White House, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice. . . . I did talk to the Secretary of Homeland Security a little while ago, and I told him that—with all the respect I could muster—that we expect to put the full force and resources of the federal government behind this investigation.”

“Here's what I want to ask from the federal government: Catch these people. Catch these people, and then tell the American people the truth. . . . After we get to the bottom of this, they need to tell the American people the truth, and the people of New Orleans the truth, and the people of America the truth.”

View Kennedy’s full remarks here.

Kennedy statement on Pres. Jimmy Carter

“We will continue to remember President Carter for his service, and we join all Americans in keeping his loved ones in our prayers tonight.” 

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) released the following statement on the passing of former president Jimmy Carter:

“Becky and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Carter family.

“We will continue to remember President Carter for his service, and we join all Americans in keeping his loved ones in our prayers tonight.”

Governor Landry and Attorney General Murrill Release a Joint Statement Regarding Department of Justice Lawsuit

Baton Rouge, LA- The following is a joint statement from Governor Landry and Attorney General Murrill in response to Joe Biden’s Justice Department’s frivolous lawsuit. 

“This is Grinch Joe Biden’s parting Christmas present to the State and the people of Louisiana.

The Trump administration would likely have not allowed this case to be filed. As we saw this week in Concordia Parish, Joe Biden and Merrick Garland’s orders seem clear - jam through as many frivolous cases as possible before the clock runs out. 

This is the same radical ‘justice’ department that goes after political opponents, targets Catholics, and sees concerned school parents as a threat. All the while our country was being invaded at our southern border and violent crime was on the rise across the Nation. The American people have had enough of Biden’s inept DOJ. 

As we have continuously said, this problem stems from the failed criminal justice reforms pushed by the past administration. These reforms ultimately complicated the criminal justice system, giving criminals a get out of jail free card.

This past year, we have taken significant action to keep Louisianans safe and ensure those who commit the crime, also do the time.

The State of Louisiana is committed to preserving the constitutional rights of Louisiana citizens. 

We look forward to fighting this, because the safety of Louisianans is our top priority.”

Kennedy to NCAA: Buy a Spine

Why does the NCAA support allowing biological males to compete against biological females?

Why don't they grow a spine? pic.twitter.com/4CzFwirnEk

— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) December 17, 2024

Letter: Conservatives in Louisiana Support KOSA

Photo source: The Hilltopper

As a parent, I am deeply concerned about the growing risks they face online, and that’s why I joined over 20 other Louisianans to support the Kids Online Safety Act through the petition below.  This critical legislation takes important steps to hold tech companies accountable for the safety of young users, providing stronger protections against harmful content, cyberbullying, and online predators.

Conservatives for KOSA

In today’s digital age, children are increasingly exposed to dangers that can harm their mental and emotional well-being. Social media platforms and other online services often fail to properly protect young users from inappropriate or harmful material, and many are designed to keep kids engaged for longer periods, which can have negative consequences on their health. KOSA prioritizes transparency from online platforms and gives parents the tools they need to better protect their children. I believe this bill is an essential step in ensuring that our kids can safely navigate the internet without being exposed to the many harmful elements that exist online.

As a parent, I want to feel confident that the platforms my children use are not only fun and educational but also safe and responsible. The Kids Online Safety Act offers a much-needed solution by implementing age-appropriate safeguards and giving parents more control over their children’s online experiences. I believe that protecting children’s safety online is a responsibility we all share, and I urge our lawmakers to take swift action in passing KOSA to safeguard the future of our children and families.

Kathy Willard