PORT ALLEN , LA – The West Baton Rouge Parish Council held public meetings on May 8 and May 22, 2025, covering zoning changes, drainage initiatives, emergency services funding, and a newly approved moratorium on carbon capture and sequestration storage (CCSS) projects. The meetings included both routine parish updates and contentious debate over long-term environmental and economic policies.

May 8 Meeting Highlights: Drainage, Zoning, and Public Comments

Resident Joey Norman addressed the council with concerns about elevated water rates stemming from contracts handled by the Capital Area Groundwater Commission. Citing recent investigative reports and a successful lawsuit filed by Baton Rouge Water, Norman urged the council to pursue rate equalization for local customers, warning of accumulating debt tied to the commission’s private contractor.

Parish President Jason Manola reported on drainage concerns and recent weather impacts. He stated that the parish had met with “PC” and Drainage Superintendent Chad Doiron to explore redirecting stormwater in areas like Lukeville using the Stonewall Canal. It remains unclear whether “PC” referred to PEC Engineering, Pointe Coupee officials, or another consultant — no clarification was provided during the meeting.

Brandon Bourgoyne is developing a scope of services for a full drainage analysis. Manola also noted minor storm damage from straight-line winds and praised the parish’s road crews for clearing fallen trees.

Manola also acknowledged American Idol contestant John Foster Benoit, a native of Addis, for his national recognition and expressed pride in the community for hosting his homecoming visit.

Zoning and Budget Items Approved

• Section Road Well Site: Rezoning approved from AG3 to A1 with a special use permit for a parish-owned water well.
• Rosedale Road Facility Site: Rezoning to public facilities approved for future fire and sheriff stations; Councilman Hotard recused himself.
• Plantation Avenue: Several lots rezoned from RSF3 and C1.3 to RSF2 with waivers granted for substandard lot widths on Lots 6, 7, and 11.
• Safe Energy Drive: Rezoning from I2 to I3 approved for repossession yard expansion.
• Bush Road Land Swap: Neighboring landowners exchanged property requiring reciprocal zoning changes and a setback waiver for a shed near a property line.

Two resolutions were passed allowing Parish President Manola to sign agreements for $10 million in water and sewer grants under the state’s Water Sector Program. Epic Paving was awarded the contract for the 2025 asphalt rehabilitation project with a winning bid of $1.37 million—below the allocated budget.

May 22 Meeting Highlights: Emergency Equipment, Housing, and a Heated Debate

Finance Director Chance Stevens presented a proposal to allocate $158,900 to replace the roof of the Addis Community Center. The council approved the budget amendment, citing repeated damage and high costs for temporary repairs. Premier South Roofing will handle the work.

The council also approved the purchase of 25 self-contained breathing apparatus units and 25 spare cylinders for the fire department, redirecting unspent funds from a delayed $700,000 fire truck purchase. The equipment will be funded through a mix of already-budgeted expenses and surplus state fire funds, totaling around $122,900.

A resolution was passed allowing the Capital Area Finance Authority to offer bonds supporting first-time homebuyer down-payment assistance in West Baton Rouge. This action corrects a procedural omission from 2023 when the council had not previously adopted the resolution despite being in the Authority’s service footprint.

CCSS Moratorium: Industry Pushback and Council Action

The most anticipated item of the May 22 meeting was a resolution proposing a parish-wide moratorium on carbon capture and sequestration storage (CCSS) projects. The resolution, updated to remove prior clerical errors, drew opposition from representatives of ExxonMobil, the Louisiana Chemical Association, the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and other industry stakeholders. They warned of potential investment losses and emphasized Louisiana’s geologic suitability and regulatory readiness for CCSS projects.

Barry Huggins, a chemical engineer and local businessman, gave a detailed technical presentation arguing against CCSS based on environmental, economic, and geological risks. He raised concerns over carbonic acid formation, fault line movement, and unknown long-term impacts on aquifers and underground formations.

While Parish President Jason Manola cautioned that a similar moratorium in Livingston Parish was struck down in federal court for lack of local authority, Councilman Alan Crowe moved forward with the resolution. Several council members stated that the moratorium simply pauses further development until the parish can gather more information and engage the public.

The resolution passed unanimously. The moratorium contains no expiration date but can be lifted at any time by a majority vote of the council.

Upcoming Business and Meeting Schedule

The council introduced two ordinances for consideration at the June 26, 2025 meeting: one to renew ad valorem taxes supporting drainage and the library system, and another to rezone property at 956 Highway 190 West from I1 to I2 industrial use.

The next Planning and Zoning meeting will be held June 3, and the next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for June 12 at 5:30 p.m.

📽️ Source Videos

For full public context, readers may view the official recordings of the May 2025 West Baton Rouge Parish Council meetings:

• May 8, 2025 – Full Council Meeting
  Watch on YouTube
  (Timestamp of drainage discussion begins at 12:50)
• May 22, 2025 – Full Council Meeting
  Watch on YouTube
  (Carbon capture moratorium debate begins at 1:00:30)