Louisiana eighth graders learn about carbon capture with Exxon's help. Not everyone is pleased.

Eighth graders in Heath Juneau’s science class at Dutchtown Middle School in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, conducted a hands-on experiment simulating carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) by injecting orange vegetable oil—representing CO2—into a model underground reservoir. The four-day lesson, part of a curriculum developed by Rice University’s Tapia Center, was taught to 1,700 students across nine Ascension Parish middle schools during the final days of the school year, marking an expansion of a program previously piloted in Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The initiative is supported by a $51,000 grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation, which also funds scholarships and STEM camps through the Tapia Center. ExxonMobil, a major advocate for CCS technology, operates a CO2 pipeline spanning southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, positioning the method as critical to reducing emissions in the oil and gas industry. The company argues CCS is safe and proven, citing decades of use in oil fields, though critics—including environmental groups and conservatives—question its necessity and potential risks. Critics contend the program downplays controversy by presenting CCS as an uncontentious solution, alleging it reflects ExxonMobil’s industry perspective. Paul Hand, executive director of the Tapia Center, insisted the curriculum remains independent, focusing on scientific demonstrations like modeling underground reservoirs with relatable materials. The lessons align with Louisiana academic standards, aiming to engage students with real-world STEM challenges tied to the state’s economy. ExxonMobil’s involvement extends beyond funding; the company has historically supported the Tapia Center’s development of CCS education materials and summer camps. While the program is framed as neutral, opponents argue its ties to the oil industry create a conflict of interest. The push for CCS in Louisiana is driven by federal tax incentives and industry pressure to reduce carbon intensity, despite ongoing debates about its environmental and economic trade-offs. The Ascension Parish program follows smaller pilot projects in Ascension and East Baton Rouge parishes last year, with Southern University also hosting CCS-focused summer camps. Supporters highlight CCS as a potential economic opportunity for Louisiana, while detractors warn of greenwashing and insufficient scrutiny of the technology’s long-term impacts.