A Louisiana industry advocate says the carbon capture debate has grown more hostile after a tense permit hearing in Pineville last week.
Desiree Lemoine, who works with Industry Makes, joined Talk 107.3 to describe what she said happened after a Department of Environmental Quality hearing for Beaver Lake Biofuels in Rapides Parish. The proposed plant would use wood pellets and syngas to create methanol. Lemoine said the hearing focused on the plant permit, not the carbon capture portion of the project, which would require a separate hearing later.
According to Lemoine, that distinction did not stop opponents from speaking heavily about carbon capture during the meeting. She said tensions grew after the facilitator reminded the crowd that the hearing was not specifically about carbon capture.
Lemoine said the situation became more concerning after she left the meeting. She said a man approached her in the parking lot while she walked alone to her car in the dark. She said he questioned her, got close to her face and made her feel intimidated. Lemoine said no physical contact happened, but she reported the incident to security.
She also pointed to previous public meetings in Allen Parish and Livingston Parish, where she said supporters of industrial projects faced yelling, threats or needed escorts to their cars.
Lemoine argued that the debate has moved beyond policy disagreement and into intimidation. She also claimed national environmental groups and outside money have helped fuel opposition campaigns in Louisiana.
She said public hearings still need room for debate, but state agencies should provide strong security and enforce meeting rules.
The carbon capture issue remains a major topic in Louisiana as industrial projects, energy policy and rural community concerns continue to collide.