The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Project Cypress, a Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hub in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
Project Cypress aims to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, with facilities proposed in Calcasieu Parish (Cypress Southwest) and Caddo Parish (Cypress Northwest).
The DOE will hold a public scoping meeting in Vinton, LA, on November 21, 2024, to gather community input on the environmental impacts of the project.
The project is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's initiative to accelerate the commercialization of DAC technology, addressing challenges like cost and infrastructure development.
Potential environmental impacts to be assessed include land use, air and water quality, wildlife, and socioeconomic conditions.
The DOE invites public comments on the scope of the EIS until December 16, 2024, encouraging local residents to participate in shaping the analysis.
The proposed action involves constructing DAC facilities using technologies from Climeworks and Heirloom, with a focus on capturing and sequestering CO2.
The DOE will consider a 'no action' alternative, where federal funds would not be used for the project, as a benchmark for environmental impact comparison.
Caddo Parish and Broader Louisiana: Expanding the Scope of Project Cypress
In addition to Calcasieu Parish, Caddo Parish is a key location for Project Cypress, hosting the Cypress Northwest facility, which will utilize Heirloom's Direct Air Capture technology.
Public engagement is also planned in Shreveport, Louisiana, to ensure that residents of Caddo Parish have the opportunity to provide input on the environmental and social impacts of the project.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will evaluate the potential effects on various environmental and cultural resources across both parishes, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the project's implications.
The initiative is part of a broader effort under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to promote economic growth and technological innovation throughout Louisiana by advancing carbon capture technologies.