A bill offering incentives to wood pellet manufacturers passed Louisiana's Legislature unanimously last month despite limited knowledge of the industry among many lawmakers. The measure is expected to be signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry.
State Representative Chuck Owen introduced House Bill 670 in February to position Louisiana as a leading site for wood pellet production. The legislation directs state agencies to offer tax breaks, workforce training, and streamlined permitting for the sector, which already exports about $1 billion in pellets annually from two Drax mills in the state. Owen acknowledged during hearings that he knew little about the mills or their operations. Fellow legislators asked basic questions about the product, and the bill advanced without discussion of the company's record of nearly $6 million in pollution fines. The Senate approved the bill with minor changes on May 27. Critics, including environmental groups, warned that the incentives could expand an industry linked to air pollution and health concerns in nearby communities.
