WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today addressed a gathering of chemical plant managers and energy company representatives in Gonzales. He discussed the SCALE Act, and the benefits it could provide to Ascension Parish.
The SCALE Act would develop carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) infrastructure by building transport links to move carbon dioxide (CO2) from where it’s obtained to where it can be used for manufacturing or safe keeping. This would reduce emissions of CO2 while creating economic opportunities and jobs. Louisiana is well-positioned to become a national hub for CCS, with its industrial base and large geologic storage locations.
“The future of better-paying jobs in Louisiana is tied to producing our products with lower carbon intensity,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Louisiana is ideally situated to do this. This bipartisan infrastructure bill helps make this happen.”
This discussion occurred as Air Products announced a $4.5 billion investment in a new clean hydrogen and carbon capture complex in Ascension Parish. This complex will permanently employ 170 people and create 2,000 construction jobs over three years. Policies like the SCALE Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, in which the SCALE Act is a core piece, help make investments like these possible and promise to expand Louisiana’s role as a hub for domestic and international energy and industry development.
Cassidy was hosted by the Ascension Parish Government, Ascension Chamber of Commerce, Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Ascension Economic Development Corporation.
“We appreciate Senator Cassidy visiting Gonzales today to discuss his SCALE Act with local chemical plant managers,” said Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment. “His SCALE Act would provide enormous economic opportunities for industry in Ascension Parish and the surrounding region. More Ascension residents would have well-paying jobs, our tax base would grow, and our parish would lead the nation in finding ways to capture and utilize CO2. I’m grateful for Senator Cassidy’s support of local industry and I urge support for the SCALE Act.”
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