The Louisiana CO2 Alliance: Grassroots… or Government-Funded Astroturf?

Louisiana CO2 Alliance sells itself as a “unified movement” of legislators and community leaders fighting against the oil and gas industry. But look closer and the story gets murky… quick, fast, and in a hurry.

The group was founded in 2024 and is run by Allen Parish Police Jury member Matthew “Roland” Hollins. In its first year, the organization reported gross receipts of $50,000 or less. That’s not unusual for a new nonprofit. What is unusual is how quickly this group positioned itself as a player in policy fights, while leaning heavily on public funding through parish membership fees.

The Alliance was chaired by elected officials from Allen, Vernon, Jefferson Davis, and Beauregard parishes. Those parishes reportedly committed taxpayer dollars to fund the organization, including membership fees “in the thousands.” Jefferson Davis approved an initial payment of $1,450. Beauregard reportedly committed up to $5,000. Allen Parish went even further, paying a lobbyist upfront and then quarterly.

That is not a grassroots movement. That is a government-funded advocacy operation.

And then comes the twist: reporting indicates the original MOU between the parishes was dissolved in July 2025, with “citizens” now “taking the helm.” Convenient. When public scrutiny rises, the organization’s leadership structure becomes fuzzier, and its identity shifts from “parish-led coalition” to “citizen-run movement.”

Meanwhile, Louisiana CO2 Alliance has lobbied for stricter CCS regulations and pipeline rules. However, voters should ask: are local officials representing their constituents, or using public dollars to build a political advocacy machine?

When a nonprofit is run by elected officials, funded by parishes, and managed by a paid lobbyist, the public deserves transparency. Louisiana residents should not have to guess whether they’re witnessing democracy in action or a carefully branded political campaign.

Don’t worry, the story gets even more strange in coming posts…