Louisiana House Advances Pro-Pellet Legislation 

The Louisiana House of Representatives on May 13 unanimously approved legislation designed to support the state’s growing wood pellet manufacturing sector. The same day, the bill also received a favorable report from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs, sending it to the full Louisiana Senate for consideration.

House Bill 670, introduced in February by Rep. Charles Owen and amended twice during the committee process, focuses on strengthening Louisiana’s wood pellet industry through streamlined permitting, workforce development and improved transportation and export infrastructure.

As amended, the legislation authorizes Louisiana Economic Development (LED) to support the recruitment, retention and expansion of wood pellet manufacturing facilities within existing statutory authority and available funding. The agency would also be able to develop policies and program guidance tailored to the sector through existing economic development programs.

Key provisions of the bill include enhanced job creation incentives for wood pellet manufacturers, workforce training initiatives, coordination with ports on infrastructure tied to pellet exports, development of site readiness standards and the creation of clearer regulatory pathways for new wood pellet manufacturing projects across the state.