Latest news with #AllenParishPoliceJury
American Press
07-08-2025
- Politics
- American Press
Allen Police Jury calls special election to fill Ward 5 Marshal position
The Allen Parish Police Jury has called for a special election to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former Ward 5 Marshal Michael 'Freck' Slaney. Police jurors on Monday officially accepted Slaney's resignation and scheduled a special election for April 18, 2026, to fill the vacant position. Qualifying for the election will be held Jan. 14-16, 2026. Slaney resigned on July 22, following his arrest on July 15. He and four others, including former Oakdale police chief Chad Doyle, are facing federal charges related to an immigration fraud and money laundering scheme. A grand jury indicted them on 62 counts for allegedly conspiring to fraudulently obtain U-Visas and create false police reports for alleged victims and witnesses of the bogus crimes. During the meeting, Ward 5 Judge Luke Abrusley introduced interim Marshal Deputy Craig 'Bubbie' Montou who was sworn in office on Friday. Montou, the former deputy chief, will serve as marshal until the special election. Abrusley said he has known Montou personally and professionally for many years and vouched for his honesty and integrity. 'He and I have already started talking about getting some things back in place for the Ward 5 Marshal's office and my office and we are here to assure you all that we're going to work very hard so that y'all continue to trust the Ward 5 court and marshal's office,' Abrusley said. Abrusely also addressed concerns regarding the Ward 5 court and the marshal's office, assuring jurors that both are in good standing, clarifying that no allegations involved public funds. 'There were no allegations in these unfortunate set of circumstances about public funds,' Abrusley told police jurors. 'There's nothing tampered with (in) the marshal's office as far as these allegations go, and there was certainly nothing with the court.' He stressed that despite not overseeing marshal's funds, efforts are in place to ensure the proper handling of all public funds. While acknowledging a breach of public trust by a public official, Abrusley affirmed that other public officials are working to restore public confidence in the Ward 5 Marshal's Office. The court continues to operate without interruption, and he expressed gratitude to Montou, the secretary, and the remaining deputies for their efforts during the transition. He also noted that the deputy chief automatically assumes the marshal role in case of a vacancy.
American Press
06-08-2025
- Politics
- American Press
Allen Police Jury rescinds ordinance regulating carbon capture injection wells
Allen Parish police jurors rescinded an ordinance Monday regulating injection wells in the parish while tabling a separate measure opposing Class V and VI injection wells. During the meeting, Police Juror Joe Perkins opposed rescinding the ordinance despite a federal lawsuit posing a significant financial risk to the parish. Perkins argued the ordinance, requiring parish permits for injection wells, was crucial for safeguarding local residents and should be maintained. 'I'm all for keeping this ordinance into place,' Perkins said. 'The Louisiana Legislature back in the 1800s formed police juries and gave them the privilege and the power to protect the health and safety of their parish. How can they sit there and take this away from us and that's what this ordinance was more or less put there for to protect our people of this parish.' Despite Perkins' objections, police jurors voted 5-1 to rescind the ordinance, with Perkins casting the only dissenting vote. Police Jurors Roland Hollins and Allen Courville were not present. The decision to rescind the measure follows a lawsuit filed last month by ExxonMobile Low Carbon Solutions Onshore Storage against the Allen Parish Police Jury and Sheriff Doug Hebert III. The lawsuit alleges the police jury overstepped its authority and that the ordinance is invalid and unenforceable because it conflicts with state regulations, which would delay state-permitted activities. ExxonMobil plans to install state-approved test wells at two sites in Allen Parish. In an email to the American Press on Tuesday, a spokesperson for ExxonMobil thanked the police jury for rescinding the ordinance. 'We appreciate the Allen Parish Police Jury rescinding the ordinance so we can begin the careful, lengthy process of evaluating if this is the right geology for CCS (carbon capture and storage),' the email read. 'We've met with approximately 200 stakeholders across the parish – listening, learning, and showing up – and we'll continue to do so. CCS protects and grows industry jobs while providing real benefits that stay close to home. It's safe, it's proven, and it helps our communities grow – more tax dollars, more opportunity, and a chance for Louisiana to keep leading the way.' Hollins said in a recent Facebook post that the police jury has been placed in a difficult position while striving to protect its citizens and children's future. He accused legislators and the governor of prioritizing industrial interests over the well-being of the community, stating they have shown a disregard for landowners' rights and have not acknowledged risks associated with massive CO2 injection wells and pipelines. 'The state officials' commitment to industry is so strong, that they will leave a parish out on an island by themselves to be sued by a major corporation for having to defend their citizens,' Hollins wrote. He said the police jury took a bold stance to protect land, water, and citizens because state leaders have not. He said police jurors and members of the Louisiana CO2 Alliance will continue to fight against what he views as 'unconstitutional aggression against the citizens rights of Louisiana.' Additionally, the police jurors chose to table a resolution opposing Class V and VI injection wells in the parish due to the ongoing litigation. The resolution asserts that the wells threaten the community's health, safety, natural resources, and long-term well-being. Class V wells are primarily used for waste disposal into or above underground drinking water sources, while Class VI wells are used for injecting carbon dioxide into underground rock formations for long-term storage. Parish Administrator Jacob Dillehay raised concerns about adopting the resolution during active legal proceedings, noting it contains harsh language and names individuals involved in the lawsuit. 'I'm not sure how good of an idea this resolution would be to adopt, given that we are still in midst of that litigation,'Dillehay said. Police Juror Heath Ardoin supported Dillehay's view, urging the police jury to table the resolution until the lawsuit concludes. District Attorney Joe Green also advised caution, stressing the need for the resolution to be factual and accurate, and not to overstate anything. He described the proposed resolution as 'very broad' and indicated that it referenced the recent litigation. Green recommended deferring action until legislative action, or what the police jury wants to see done by the legislature as it affects the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources (LDENR), and until more specific details are available.
American Press
08-07-2025
- Business
- American Press
UPDATE: Allen Police Jury introduces resolution to suspend CO2 permits
ExxonMobil filed a 22-page lawsuit on July 1 in the U.S. District Court Western District in Lake Charles against the Allen Parish Police Jury and Sheriff Doug Hebert III. (Associated Press Archives) The Allen Parish Police Jury has introduced a resolution to suspend the enforcement of a recently adopted ordinance imposing local permitting requirements for carbon capture projects. The decision, made by a 7-to-1 vote with Police Juror Joe Perkins of Reeves casting the lone dissenting vote, comes in the midst of a federal lawsuit that poses a significant financial risk to the parish. ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions Onshore Storage filed the lawsuit against the police jury and Sheriff Doug Hebert III, challenging the ordinance, which ExxonMobil claims is inconsistent with state law and causes delays to state-permitted activities. During a meeting on Monday, police jurors voted to suspend the ordinance and called for a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4 to discuss the potential removal of the law and to hear directly from the public. Police Jury President Tony Hebert said the police jury had previously requested an Attorney General's opinion on whether the ordinance would be preempted by state law. However, they have not received an opinion and may never receive one now that it is the subject of a lawsuit, he said. '……This ordinance was passed with the will of the people and meant to protect our land, water, and personal property rights by regulating injection wells,' Hebert said in a released statement. 'But now, the police jury is facing a tough decision, and I want to be transparent with you (the public) about why I think we should pull back on this ordinance.' ExxonMobil claims the ordinance conflicts with state and federal laws. Hebert said after consulting with legal experts and staff, it became clear the parish faces a strong legal challenge that could be costly. 'The truth is, this isn't a fight that can't be won at the parish level,' he said. 'The state of Louisiana and the federal government have already set up regulations for these projects, and our state Constitution says we don't have the authority to go beyond what they've set up.' Hebert noted that while the police jury and residents advocated for stronger state-level laws during the recent legislative session, those bills did not pass. He said the fight remains at the state level. 'I know a lot of you are angry and have legitimate concerns,' he said acknowledging public sentiment. 'ExxonMobil could have and should have worked with us to address our local concerns, but instead, they chose to sue us. They knew that fighting this lawsuit would cost Allen Parish a fortune in legal fees, damages and penalties. And that's money we don't have and money that is legally dedicated to going to things like fixing roads, repairing bridges, and keeping public buildings open and maintained.' He clarified the police jury's intent by stating, '…The police jury passed Ordinance No. 6656 because we care about the health and safety of our people. But now, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place. If we keep fighting, we risk bankrupting the parish and losing the ability to provide essential services. That's not a risk I'm willing to take or a risk I would ask the rest of the jury to take.' While the outcome may not be what many desired, Hebert assured residents that the police jury is committed to protecting its communities. He requested the public's understanding as the parish navigates the challenging situation. 'We're all in this together, and we plan to keep fighting for what's best for Allen Parish,' he concluded.
American Press
07-07-2025
- Business
- American Press
UPDATE: ExxonMobil says Allen Parish's new permit ordinance inconsistent with state law
ExxonMobil filed a 22-page lawsuit on July 1 in the U.S. District Court Western District in Lake Charles against the Allen Parish Police Jury and Sheriff Doug Hebert III. (Associated Press Archives) ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions Onshore Storage is suing Allen Parish officials over local efforts to require a parish permit for all carbon capture sequestration and injection wells. ExxonMobil filed a 22-page lawsuit on July 1 in the U.S. District Court Western District in Lake Charles against the Allen Parish Police Jury and Sheriff Doug Hebert III. The lawsuit challenges the legality and enforceability of a local ordinance requiring a parish permit for carbon capture sequestration and injection well projects, arguing it is inconsistent with state law and delays state-permitted activities. 'Allen Parish's new ordinance requiring a permit for all injection wells is inconsistent with Louisiana law and delays activities permitted by state regulators,' Exxon said in a statement. 'We will continue to engage with Allen Parish, and we look forward to advancing projects that drive community growth and development.' ExxonMobil currently has state approval for two Class V stratigraphic test wells in the parish. If the test wells are successful, the company plans to capture industrial CO2, transport it via pipeline, and store it underground. However, police jurors and local residents are concerned these projects threaten the Chicot Aquifer, a vital drinking water source. The police jury adopted the injection well ordinance (Ordinance No. 6656) in May, aiming to establish local oversight for carbon capture sequestration and injection wells, a matter typically under state jurisdiction. ExxonMobil claims it repeatedly requested but never received a final version of the ordinance from the police jury. Roland Hollins, a member of the Allen Parish Police Jury and chairman of the Louisiana CO2 Alliance, told the American Press on Monday that the police jury requested an expedited Attorney General opinion on its authority to regulate the wells but has not yet received a response. Police jurors are expected to call for a public hearing next month to rescind the ordinance. The lawsuit seeks to declare the ordinance invalid and unenforceable, asserting that it exceeds state laws that the company has already met or will meet. It also requests declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent the enforcement of what it deems an unlawful ordinance. ExxonMobil argues the additional parish permit is both burdensome and redundant, as the state-issued Louisiana Department of Environmental and Natural Resources permit fulfills all necessary requirements. Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that the ordinance jeopardizes current and future carbon capture projects by granting the parish 'complete discretion over whether a permit ever issues and is under no timeline to do so.' According to the lawsuit, state regulators have already approved the construction of the first exploratory Class V test wells at both the Mockingbird and Hummingbird sites. These sites are located east of Oberlin and extend to the Reeves and Elton area. Regulators found that ExxonMobil 'met the interim requirements for permitting,' allowing drilling under strict environmental safeguards. The construction permits require competition by June 23, 2026, a deadline ExxonMobil states it risks missing. ExxonMobil reports having already spent over $75,000 on route surveys, engineering work, and procurement for its pipeline project in Allen Parish. The company indicates it cannot recoup these costs unless the ordinance is nullified and stands to forfeit an additional $75,000 if the project cannot proceed. If the test wells are successful, the company intends to seek a Class VI permit from the state for deep underground carbon dioxide injection, a prospect that continues to be a point of contention for police jurors and residents concerned about the Chicot Aquifer. Hollins, who has been a vocal opponent of these projects, could not comment on the ongoing litigation but affirmed that local residents will continue to oppose carbon capture projects, despite recent legislation that facilitates these projects in Louisiana without local consent.
American Press
07-07-2025
- Business
- American Press
ExxonMobil sues Allen Police Jury over C02 permit ordinance
ExxonMobil filed a 22-page lawsuit on July 1 in the U.S. District Court Western District in Lake Charles against the Allen Parish Police Jury and Sheriff Doug Hebert III. (Associated Press Archives) ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions Onshore Storage is suing Allen Parish officials over local efforts to require a parish permit for carbon capture sequestration and injection wells. ExxonMobil filed a 22-page lawsuit on July 1 in the U.S. District Court Western District in Lake Charles against the Allen Parish Police Jury and Sheriff Doug Hebert III. The lawsuit challenges the legality and enforceability of a local ordinance requiring a parish permit for carbon capture sequestration and injection well projects, arguing it is inconsistent with state law and delays state-permitted activities. ExxonMobil currently has state approval for two Class V stratigraphic test wells in the parish. If the test wells are successful, the company plans to capture industrial CO2, transport it via pipeline, and store it underground. However, police jurors and local residents are concerned these projects threaten the Chicot Aquifer, a vital drinking water source. The police jury adopted the injection well ordinance (Ordinance No. 6656) in May, aiming to establish local oversight for carbon capture sequestration and injection wells, a matter typically under state jurisdiction. ExxonMobil claims it repeatedly requested but never received a final version of the ordinance from the police jury. Roland Hollins, a member of the Allen Parish Police Jury and chairman of the Louisiana CO2 Alliance, told the American Press on Monday that the police jury requested an expedited Attorney General opinion on its authority to regulate the wells but has not yet received a response. Police jurors are expected to call for a public hearing next month to rescind the ordinance. The lawsuit seeks to declare the ordinance invalid and unenforceable, asserting that it exceeds state laws that the company has already met or will meet. It also requests declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent the enforcement of what it deems an unlawful ordinance. ExxonMobil argues the additional parish permit is both burdensome and redundant, as the state-issued Louisiana Department of Environmental and Natural Resources permit fulfills all necessary requirements. Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that the ordinance jeopardizes current and future carbon capture projects by granting the parish 'complete discretion over whether a permit ever issues and is under no timeline to do so.' According to the lawsuit, state regulators have already approved the construction of the first exploratory Class V test wells at both the Mockingbird and Hummingbird sites. These sites are located east of Oberlin and extend to the Reeves and Elton area. Regulators found that ExxonMobil 'met the interim requirements for permitting,' allowing drilling under strict environmental safeguards. The construction permits require competition by June 23, 2026, a deadline ExxonMobil states it risks missing. ExxonMobil reports having already spent over $75,000 on route surveys, engineering work, and procurement for its pipeline project in Allen Parish. The company indicates it cannot recoup these costs unless the ordinance is nullified and stands to forfeit an additional $75,000 if the project cannot proceed. If the test wells are successful, the company intends to seek a Class VI permit from the state for deep underground carbon dioxide injection, a prospect that continues to be a point of contention for police jurors and residents concerned about the Chicot Aquifer. Hollins, who has been a vocal opponent of these projects, could not comment on the ongoing litigation but affirmed that local residents will continue to oppose carbon capture projects, despite recent legislation that facilitates these projects in Louisiana without local consent.
