As the Louisiana legislative session opens Monday, economic leaders across the capital region are watching closely. One of them is Trey Godfrey with the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, commonly known as “The Partnership.”
Godfrey says the organization will focus on protecting major economic opportunities while pushing policies that strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline.
Carbon Capture Debate Takes Center Stage
Carbon capture policy will dominate many discussions during the session. Godfrey says uncertainty around regulations threatens billions of dollars in potential industrial investment across Louisiana.
Many proposed projects require companies to reduce or manage carbon emissions. Carbon capture technology allows industries to store or transport carbon rather than release it into the atmosphere.
Godfrey says businesses need stable policy before committing large investments.
“Companies making billion-dollar decisions need certainty,” he explained. “They want to know the regulatory framework today will remain the same five years from now.”
Several bills aim to restrict or limit carbon capture projects. Some proposals would create parish-level bans or moratoriums. The Partnership plans to oppose those efforts because they could push projects to other states.
Texas already competes aggressively for these investments. If Louisiana slows the process, companies may choose Texas instead.
“These projects will go somewhere,” Godfrey said. “We want them here because they bring jobs and economic growth to Louisiana.”
“Learn and Earn” Workforce Proposal
Along with defending economic development projects, The Partnership also supports new workforce legislation.
One proposal, the Learn and Earn Act, would allow businesses to operate small satellite locations directly on school campuses. Students could work paid internships during the school day while earning academic credit.
The idea solves a common problem. Many students cannot travel to internship sites because of transportation barriers or limited local businesses.
Instead, companies could bring opportunities directly to the school.
Examples already exist across Louisiana. Walker High School operates a credit union staffed by students, and similar programs appear at schools in Zachary and Lafayette.
Workforce Participation Remains Key
Godfrey says Louisiana must increase workforce participation across several groups. That includes high school students, military veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals who reenter society.
“If more people participate in the workforce, the economy grows,” he said.
As the legislative session begins, workforce development and economic investment will likely shape the conversation in Baton Rouge for the months ahead.