$4.5 billion Lousiana Clean Energy Complex, a project that aimed to produce hydrogen fuel and pump carbon dioxide emissions from its new Ascension Parish plant underneath Lake Maurepas.
The Pennsylvania-based company announced its decision on the controversial project on Tuesday First proposed in 2021, the project envisioned a new industrial
facility in Ascension Parish that would produce what is called “blue hydrogen,” hydrogen fuel produced with natural gas, which proponents say results in fewer emissions than with coal or some other energy sources. That hydrogen would have been used to produce ammonia, which can be used as fertilizer or as fuel.
Air Products proposed piping the carbon dioxide emissions from that facility through wetlands to Lake Maurepas, where it would bury those emissions more
than a mile underground.
The Louisiana Clean Energy project drew criticism, particularly around its carbon capture component, which residents around Lake Maurepas strongly opposed. Environmental groups questioned whether the project would deliver on its promises.
And some Republican political leaders raised concerns about how the project would impact constituents.
In a prepared statement on Tuesday, Air Products said the project
wasn’t going to pay off the way it needed to. The cancellation is part of a set of project exits that will cost the company up to $2.9 billion in losses, before any tax savings are factored in.
The company said that it would continue to fulfill contractual obligations around Lake Maurepas and in Ascension Parish related to the project, and thanked “agencies, business and community partners, government officials, legislators, and regulators who worked professionally with us
across every aspect of the project.”
Email Alex Lubben at alex. lubben@theadvocate.com and follow him on Twitter @alexlubben. His work is supported with a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, administered by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.
Sign up for the weekly Louisiana Coastal Watch newsletter to get updates about our environment coverage.
Donaldsonville celebrates Independence
gain freedom.
BY WENDY LOUP
Contributing writer
Military veterans and their families were among those who attended America’s 250th Birthday Celebration at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park on July 4. The event, hosted by the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park Association, commemorated 250 years of
American independence, unity, and freedom In typical July weather in Louisiana, the temperatures soared, but attendees ate grilled hot dogs, cupcakes and donuts while listening to acoustic music provided by Perique.
brought Ascension Parish residents of all ages.
Anne Marie Robert, 20, passed out popsicles and poppy pins, along with her younger brother, Jude, and sister, Abigail.
“The holiday is about coming together and recognizing our veterans while celebrating freedom,” Robert said.
The America’s 250th Birthday Celebration was the inaugural July 4 celebration hosted at the park The family-friendly event
Robert, a student at LSU, and a member of the Gonzales VFW Post 3693’s Auxiliary said the holiday is important to not only celebrate, but to honor those who helped the United States
“We see this day and this event as a big ‘thank you’ to those who served for us in the military.”
Robert’s mother, Nicole Robert, said she appreciates her children volunteering Ascension comes
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
The acoustic duo of David Furlow, left, and Eric Cantrelle, known as Perique, perform Saturday during the America’s 250th Birthday Celebration at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales.
STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Park Rhona Leblanc dances to ‘Party in the U.S.A.’ while sitting down alongside Dan Magere during Donaldsonville’s annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday. ä More photos. PAGE 3G
Bearded Events
Trevin
HONOR
Continued from page 1G
and understanding the sig-
nificance of July 4.
“I have two grandfathers who served during World War II,” Nicole Robert said.
“I get emotional when I think about this holiday and when I think about what it’s all about. The country has been here for 250 years, and we have freedom because of the sacrifices people have made for us.”
For those who served in the military, the holiday is extra important.
“Today is a celebration of freedom,” Army Retired Master Sergeant Tanya Whitney said. “For most of us who have served in the military we hope we have helped ensure this country’s freedom.”
Whitney, who has participated in numerous Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ascension Parish ceremonies, is a member of the park’s committee,
“I’m old enough to remember the 200th anniversary (in 1976), and the country came together then, and now to also celebrate, but
help support veterans.” The celebration was also a chance for the park to be utilized for another military holiday
Jared Nolen, the newly named chairman of Ascension Veterans Memorial Park Association, said the event was one of many goals
he has for the park and association.
“Today’s event was something we’ve wanted to have, so the 250th birthday was a
good one to move forward with,” Nolen said. “We would like to increase our membership and that includes all branches of the military
“I would like the park to have a living history tour, in which we provide more information and history about past events, such as the Iraq War. Something more visible in the park.”
Nolen, a Marine Corp and Army veteran, said the holiday is one to be celebrated
as a remembrance of past sacrifices made by military members.
“July 4 is a day for us to unite,” Nolen said. “When we celebrated the 200th birthday, I was only two years old. Seeing how far the country has come even since then, it’s important to recognize the past.
“Days like today and the ability to have and celebrate freedom are what we went to war for.”
American flags fly around the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales Saturday. The Ascension Veterans Memorial Park Association is hoping to expand its membership and add park improvements in the future.
Marie and Abigail, volunteer Saturday during the
the
Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
The inaugural July 4 celebration at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales included live musical entertainment by Perique and free grilled hot dogs, doughnuts, cupcakes and sodas.
Donaldsonville celebrates Independence Day
Ascension Parish Sheriff’s officers mingle during Donaldsonville’s annual Independence Day Celebration.
Lonnie Lawrence plays with his foster daughter Khri’Sean Bleu, 1.
STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Families and friends gather around the courtyard in Crescent Park during Donaldsonville’s annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday.
Kacey Barton, 4, runs around the playground wearing his most patriotic shirt
Recycling electronics option added
Community news report
The Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council is partnering with the Ascension Parish Library to make electronics recycling more convenient.
Effective July 1, Ascension Parish Library’s Gonzales location is accepting small electronics for recycling giving Ascension Parish residents a new, flexible way to dispose of unwanted tech This initiative helps divert electronic waste from landfills while giving residents the opportunity to support digital access in their local community a news release said.
“We’re excited to welcome Ascension Parish Library as our third library partner, joining East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries and West Baton Rouge Libraries,” said Michael Rachal, executive director of CACRC “By making electronics recycling more convenient, we’re making it easier for people to
be part of something bigger Every device recycled with CACRC is an opportunity Eligible technology is refurbished and placed into the hands of Louisiana families who need it most, expanding digital access while protecting our environment.”
Program highlights
Drop-off is available on evenings and weekends, providing for quick recycling. Accepted items include: n Smartphones and tablets n Laptops, desktops and LCD monitors n Cables, chargers and accessories n Network equipment
Items must fit inside specially provided bins. Oversized items should still be dropped off at CACRC’s main site at 1400 Main St., Baton Rouge.
For more information, contact CACRC at recycle@cacrc.com or by phone at (225) 379-3577
a check presentation,
ficer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center; Dan Delaney, strategic account manager, REV; Robert Poole, radiation oncology program
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond; Monika
community relations and business development manager, REV; Nadia
regional philanthropy specialist, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
LEBOEUF
Continued from page 1G
Taylor James to the state championship game. His love for his school is apparent. “I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have attended Ascension Catholic. This school, coaches, administrators, teachers, staff and students played a major role in my life. Ascension Catholic is dedicated to its students well being and understands how important sports are for the student body I will always have memories with students, friends and teammates. The love shown will not be forgotten,” Simon said.
Simon garnered several awards for his senior season in football. He was first team all-state as a running back for the LSWA and the LFCA. He was selected as the offensive most valuable player, the parish most valuable offensive player and won WAFB player of the week numerous times. He was selected as the 2025 prep classic 1A player of the year as well as the
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Gridiron National Player of the Year and the Dr Pepper player of the week.
Simon also competed as a 3-year starter in basketball, track and powerlifting. Balancing his schoolwork, athletics, social life, family life and his faith was not easy but Simon had some wise words for young athletes coming up.
“Don’t let society pressures reroute your life or your dreams. Adversity will come, face it and remember that God always has your back. There is always hope and your faith in God can help you overcome anything,” Simon said.
Simon has left his hometown of Donaldsonville and his family for VMI, his plan is simple. “I plan to compete and give myself an opportunity to get on the field. Nothing will be handed to me as the coaches told us on our visit. I am looking forward to connecting with my coaches and teammates, they have become my family now My academics have always been important and that will not change,” said Simon.
Simon left his mark at Ascension Catholic and
anyone that has crossed his path knows that he is a special person that appreciates his talents, loves his family and has a strong faith.
“I give all the glory to God for waking me up and blessing me with opportunities,” Simon said. “My family has made so many sacrifices for me and my siblings. They have kept me grounded and on a path of faith and work. I want to thank my friends for dealing with me and supporting me, we will always have a bond. I started out in pee wee football with the Donaldsonville Redskins, where I learned so much. I moved on to playing middle school and high school and have been mentored by so many outstanding coaches who have helped me become a man. Getting a chance to play college football was always a goal and now I get that opportunity, I am truly blessed.”
Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate. com.
REV Fiber partners with CoBank to deliver $30K to
A Taste of Donaldsonville from 5 to 7 p.m.
Aug. 8 at Lemann Community Center, 1100 Clay St., Donaldsonville.
Tickets purchased before July 31 are $30. Tickets will be $35 at the door
2 Louisiana nonprofits
Community news report
REV Fiber has partnered with CoBank’s annual Sharing Success program to contribute a combined $30,000 to two Louisiana nonprofit organizations.
This year’s matching contributions support organizations advancing community connection through healthcare innovation and the promotion of arts, a news release said.. REV Fiber is a locally owned communications provider serving Southeast Louisiana. Through the Sharing Success program, CoBank — a cooperative bank dedicated to supporting rural America — matches contributions made by its partners to advance community-focused initiatives nationwide. REV used the program to enhance its philanthropic investment and increase support for organizations addressing critical community needs and promoting regional well-being.
“At REV we believe connection is about more than technology While our core mission is to build and de-
liver the infrastructure that helps people, businesses and communities thrive, our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond the network itself,” said Josh Descant, CEO of REV “Through CoBank’s Sharing Success program, we are proud to support organizations that improve lives in meaningful ways, including expanded access to cancer care and the enrichment of local arts and culture.”
2026 recipients of REV and CoBank’s joint Sharing Success program are:
n Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Inc. — $10,000 n Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center — $20,000 (supporting the Gonzales and Hammond locations)
“Partnerships like this represent a deliberate investment in the organizations that do such amazing and impactful work throughout South Louisiana,” said Tressy Leindecker, REV’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re proud to work alongside CoBank to expand support for nonprofits whose impact is both
meaningful and lasting.”
Both serve many residents across Southeast Louisiana, the Arts Council of Great Baton Rouge covers a 12-parish area and enhances arts and culture, while Mary Bird Perkins improves cancer survivability by expanding access to lifesaving technology, treatment, nutrition and resources closer to patients’ homes.
“REV’s and CoBank’s generous support and unwavering commitment to cancer patients and families across Louisiana mean more than we can say,” said Danielle Mack, vice president and chief philanthropy officer at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center “Every dollar of their partnership stays in our community, helping us provide the full range of care our patients depend on — from expert treatment and advanced technology to survivorship support and breakthrough research. Philanthropy like this is a lifesaving gift, and together, we are working to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer for families throughout our state.”
The menu includes SmokeShack Park Street Tacos, crawfish fettuccine, pastalaya, toffee cheesecake and sweet potato Ooey Goody desert.
Swamp Pop at The Post Dance to Swamp Pop music beginning at 5 p.m. July 12 at the VFW Post 3693, 42430 Churchpoint Road, Gonzales.
Tickets are $10 and available at the door Highway 621 Outdoor Market
The Highway 621 Outdoor Market, 39275 La. 621, in Gonzales opens at 8 a.m. every Saturday until the end of July Shop vendors’ booths and purchase locally grown produce.
‘Shrek The Musical’ coming to Gonzales Ascension Community Theatre is staging “Shrek the Musical” July 9-12 at the theater, 823 N. Felicity Ave., Gonzales.
Get ready for a hilarious, heartwarming adventure with everyone’s favorite ogre. Based on the DreamWorks animated film, “Shrek the Musical” turns the fairy tale world upside down in a joyful celebration of friendship, love, and self-acceptance. For tickets and more information, visit ci.ovationtix.com/35620/production/1251046.
Food distributions set Ascension Parish’s commodity distribution is set for the second Tuesday of each month in Donaldsonville and the second Wednesday of the month in Gonzales. Distributions are from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Frank Sotile Jr Pavilion in Donaldsonville and the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. All recipients must be prequalified by visiting the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 E. Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales or the Donaldsonville courthouse, 300 Houmas St. Contact Layne Melancon at (225) 450-1006 or layne.melancon@fmolhs. org.
Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday
EA student completes program for future healthcare professionals
Community news report
Natalia Boyle, of Gonzales, 17, a rising senior at East Ascension High, recently completed the AHEAD program at LSU Health Shreveport School of Health Professions and Sciences in Shreveport. Boyle was accepted into the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency Through Accountable Design program after applying earlier this spring. She already had classes, clinical experience and certifications through East Ascension’s Allied Health program. From the LSU Health Shreveport release, she spent five days exploring healthcare careers through hands-on activities, interactive experiences and field trips. She studied physical therapy and physician assistant studies, respiratory therapy, speech-language pathology, medical laboratory science and more. She and other high school students gained insights into healthcare careers while learning tips for success in college and professional programs.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY CHUCK MONTERO
Ascension Catholic’s Trevin Simon takes off on a big run during the 2025 championship game.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Natalia Boyle, of Gonzales, 17, a rising senior at East Ascension High, recently completed the AHEAD program at LSU Health Shreveport School of Health Professions and Sciences in Shreveport.
Attending
from left, are Jeremy Theriot, community relations and business development director, REV; Monika Arnold, community relations and business development manager, REV; Jonathan Grimes, president and CEO, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge; and Nicholas Tryforos, senior strategic account manager, REV.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Gathering, from left, are Lillian Piazza, government and public affairs manager, REV; Danielle Mack, chief philanthropy of
