Communities and Carbon Management
How to use this section
Use this section to learn from case studies in other project sites, educate community members of relevant points of engagement in the project approval process, and co-create benefit plans.
Case Study #1: How a School District, Project Developer, and Labor Union Partnered to Empower Tomorrow’s Carbon Management Workforce
In Vernon Parish, Louisiana, a robust partnership between a carbon management project developer, a labor union, and a local school board created benefits for all. Specifically, the Capturing Better Futures Initiative brought together Capture Point Solutions, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA), and the Vernon Parish School District.
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These partners worked together to launch a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway for 30 students from Vernon Parish schools for its inaugural class. These students will acquire skills focused on pipeline construction, welding, plumbing, steam fitting, and related trades critical to building infrastructure for carbon management and other energy projects. The core of the clean energy transition is workers, and this collaboration ensures young people are provided with the support they need for well-paying careers.
The Carbon Action Alliance highlighted the people and
organizations behind the Capturing Better Futures Initiative in a video produced in January 2023. The partnership demonstrates firsthand the potential for carbon management projects to spur community-led economic development. Thoughtful stakeholder engagement and agreements tailored to local needs will lead to positive outcomes.
Lisa Lohman, the curriculum and CTE director for Vernon Parish Schools, said she was excited when the partnership was proposed.
“When I was first approached about the program, I wasn’t really sure about carbon capture and sequestration,” Lohman said. “But the key thing that I heard them say was, ‘student opportunity.’”
Developing Community Benefits Plans and Agreements
Community benefit plans (CBPs) and community benefit agreements (CBAs) are the most common strategies for carbon management developers to partner with local governments and organizations. In this section of the toolkit, we outline best practices in developing mutually beneficial plans and agreements.
Louisiana Decision Support Tool
The Louisiana Decision Support Tool for carbon management offers a way for community members, project developers, and regulators to delve into social and environmental data to learn more about local factors to consider when locating energy projects.
Colorado Decision Support Tool Coming Soon!
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Interested in funding a Decision Support Tool for your state? Get in touch with us.