The Louisiana House of Representatives has voted unanimously to approve legislation aimed at strengthening the state's wood pellet manufacturing sector.
HB 670, introduced in late February by state Representative Charles Owen, passed the House on 13 May and the same day was reported favourably out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs. The bill now awaits a full Senate vote.
The legislation directs Louisiana Economic Development, the state's cabinet-level business growth agency, to support the recruitment, retention and expansion of wood pellet manufacturing facilities, subject to available funding.
Its provisions include prioritising job creation incentives for the sector, establishing workforce development and training programmes, coordinating with ports on infrastructure requirements for wood pellet cargo, and creating clearer regulatory pathways for facility development across the state.
The bill was amended twice during its passage through House committees.
Louisiana is a significant hub for wood pellet exports, with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge among the facilities handling shipments destined primarily for European energy markets.
Louisiana House passes bill to support wood pellet industry
