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2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 670
BY REPRESENTATIVES OWEN, ADAMS, BAYHAM, BILLINGS, EDMONSTON,
EGAN, FIRMENT, HORTON, SCHAMERHORN, TAYLOR, AND WALTERS
1 AN ACT
2 To enact Part IV of Chapter 3 of Title 51 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be
3 comprised of R.S. 51:955.1 and 955.2, relative to wood pellet manufacturing; to
4 provide for legislative findings and purpose; to provide for definitions; to provide for
5 permissions of Louisiana Economic Development; to provide incentives for wood
6 pellet manufacturing; and to provide for related matters.
7 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
8 Section 1. Part IV of Chapter 3 of Title 51 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950,
9 comprised of R.S. 51:955.1 and 955.2, is hereby enacted to read as follows:
10 PART IV. LOUISIANA WOOD PELLET MANUFACTURING STRENGTHENING
11 ACT
12 §955.1. Findings; purpose
13 A. The legislature hereby finds and declares that the wood pellet and wood
14 derived fuel manufacturing industries represent a significant economic opportunity
15 for this state, leveraging this state's abundant forest resources, world-class deepwater
16 port facilities, and extensive rail network to serve growing international demand for
17 renewable biomass fuel. Wood pellet and wood derived fuels manufacturing creates
18 high-quality jobs in rural communities, supports the forestry sector, and diversifies
19 this state's economy. The legislature further finds that the current regulatory
20 framework, while serving important environmental and public safety purposes, was
21 not designed with the specific characteristics of these industries in mind and may
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1 impose unnecessary burdens at a time when international demand, particularly from
2 European power generators and fuel users seeking alternative sources of fuel, is
3 growing.
4 B. It is the purpose of this Act to establish this state as a premier location for
5 wood pellet and wood derived fuels manufacturing by streamlining permitting
6 processes while maintaining appropriate environmental safeguards, developing a
7 skilled workforce to meet the industry's employment needs, and facilitating the
8 efficient transportation and export of wood pellets and wood derived fuels through
9 this state's port facilities, thereby enabling this state to capture a significant share of
10 the growing international market, create jobs, support rural communities, and
11 strengthen this state's economy.
12 §955.2. Wood pellet manufacturing; definitions; priority industry; port access
13 A. As used in this Part, "wood pellet manufacturing" means the production
14 of compressed biomass pellets from forestry, biomass, including but not limited to
15 forest and agriculture residues, thinnings, and storm damaged residues for export or
16 domestic use, including those supplying fuel markets driven by new and
17 transformative sources of power generation. As used in this Part, "wood derived
18 biofuel" means the production of fuels from forestry residues for export or domestic
19 use, and the associated handling and processing of forestry residues as may be
20 required in the production of fuel.
21 B. Louisiana Economic Development may support the recruitment, retention,
22 and expansion of wood pellet manufacturing facilities in this state within existing
23 statutory authority and subject to the availability of funds, and in accordance with
24 the Administrative Procedure Act, may develop policies, guidance, or program
25 criteria consistent with existing economic development programs, when appropriate
26 and within existing authority, including but not limited to the following:
27 (1) Prioritizing and enhancing job creation incentives for wood pellet and
28 wood derived fuel manufacturing facilities.
29 (2) Establishing workforce development and training initiatives for wood
30 pellet manufacturing facilities.
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1 (3) Coordinating with ports regarding infrastructure needs associated with
2 wood pellet manufacturing cargo.
3 (4) Establishing site readiness criteria for wood pellet and wood derived fuel
4 manufacturing.
5 (5) Providing clear regulatory pathways for the development of wood pellet
6 manufacturing facilities throughout this state.
7 (6) Prioritizing wood pellet and wood derived fuel cargo for loading,
8 docking, and processing at state ports.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA
APPROVED:
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