Air Products is cancelling its $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.
FUEL FOR MIND & BODY
Darlene Denstorff
AROUND LIVINGSTON
Check out activities at the library
Check out what’s happening at the Livingston Parish Watson Branch For details and more information, call the branch at (225) 686-4180 or visit www mylpl.info.
Friday, 10:30 a.m., Painting with Dinosaurs (ages 3-7): Kids are invited to paint with dinosaur toys and create one-of-akind masterpieces. Registration is required.
Friday, 1:30 p.m., Decoupage Flowerpot (ages 18+): Join the library staff while they transform ordinary flowerpots into a dino-mite work of art. Registration is required.
Saturday, 10 a.m., Craft & Go
Saturday (all ages): Kickstart your creativity for the month ahead by joining the library staff on the first Saturday of every month for a fun, handson craft that you can make and take home. Each month features a new project between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. All supplies are provided
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
Keith
Mighty Moms bring ‘Tummy Bags’ program to library to feed children during summer
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
Keith Jurey eagerly peeked into the bag, wondering what goodies awaited him
Summer months are a time for
SLU golfer honing skills during summer Marsh
a wide range of sports to put in the unsung work that can pay dividends later on. There are summer leagues for baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball, among others. For golfers such as Southeastern Louisiana University sophomore-to-be David Marsh, the grind has been dotted with tournament play Last week, in the Baton Rouge Open held at Beaver Creek golf course, he had a twoday total of 7-under par, a score that in some years has been good enough to win the tournament. This time, it earned him a solo finish in third, but it was a good showing against some of the area’s top golfers.
“Next man up” is a common
Seconds into his bounty hunt, Jurey was giddy as he pulled out a package of mac and cheese, saying “This is my favorite.” And looking at his mom, the 11-year-old Jurey said, “I’m glad you brought me here.”
Jurey was one of dozens of young people who visited the main branch of the Livingston Parish Library in Livingston on July 3 for the Mighty
Moms Storytime designed for children up to 13 years old.
The library hosted the day in partnership with Mighty Moms, an organization committed to fighting childhood hunger in Livingston Parish. The day included story times, crafts, music and most important, those coveted “Tummy Bags,” donated by Mighty Moms that contained non-perishable items and included snacks from Slim Jims to cheese crackers and, of course, the always popular mac and cheese. Library outreach director April
PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK
Eleven-year-old
Jurey was elated to find mac and cheese in a tummy bag that was distributed July 3 during the Mighty Moms Storytime at the Livingston Parish Library in Livingston.
Beth Sullivan and Tully Sullivan work on a craft project during the Mighty Moms Storytime.
PHOTO
Walker celebrates with music, games, family fun
Alissa Michel, at right launching a toss to dunk Damian Lacombe during the city of Walker’s 4th of July Celebration at Sidney Hutchinson Park on July 4, said she enjoyed dunking her friend and perhaps there was even a bit of trash talking. “I was disappointed because I was talking trash and did not expect it,” Lacombe said. Michel and Lacombe are incoming freshmen at Waker High School.
Chef Darynn Phengsimma grills chicken and pork skewers featuring herbs and spices. Phensgimma said by midafternoon ‘quite a few people’ had visited his food stand.
PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK
When the heat becomes overbearing, sometimes all it takes is a quick dousing, as one-year-old Junior Valdez learns.
Visitors were able to
nd
of
and services along Vendor Alley, from soap products to stuffed animals to pet adoption and even a bail bondsman, if one was in such a need, during the cty of Walker’s 4th of July Celebration at Sidney Hutchinson Park.
The petting zoo is a popular attraction, especially for youngsters.
Callie Rivere, left, fans Amberlynn Theriot, 2, during a ride at the celebration.
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one that is used when a player steps up to replace a starter or important role player on a team. That is certainly the case for Walker High football, only this time its defensive coordinator Chris Harrell who is doing the stepping up. Marsh shot 67 in Saturday’s first round before a 70 on Sunday kept him in striking distance most of the day The golfers who finished ahead of him, Greg Berthelot and tournament winner Jeremy Gautreaux, are seasoned amateurs who have been among the state’s best golfers a long time.
“The course was manicured very good,” Marsh said after Sunday’s round “I just kept everything in front of me and stayed in play Obviously there were a lot of good golfers in this tournament so you just have to stick with yourself and hang in there. You take the pars and make birdie when you can.”
Marsh’s finish was the latest success for a young golfer whose confidence appears to be growing every time he competes At SLU, he had a 73.3 scoring
average and was the Lions’ top finisher in five tournaments. Two of those finishes were top-five, including a second in the Southland Conference Championship at Comanche Trace golf course in Kerrville, Texas.
“I started out not knowing what to expect, so it was a little shaky at first,” Marsh said. “I got used to it and settled in, and I had a couple of good finishes in the fall. Finished second in conference in my last tournament, so that was the best finish I had I enjoyed it.”
Two weeks before the Baton Rouge Open, the Louisiana Sports Writers Association released its all-Louisiana golf selections, and Marsh was there on the first team Academically, Marsh posted a 4.0 GPA for his freshman year and earned a spot on the SLC all-academic team.
Marsh’s sophomore season will take off in a couple of months, but for now he will work on his game. That may even include competing in August at the Baton Rouge Amateur, a match-play event that features a 16-player field It is typically a difficult tournament to earn a spot in, but his third-place finish at the Baton Rouge Open means a spot is there if he wants to take it. As it should be.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
John Williams receives gifts July 4 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-Airline Ward, Denham Springs Stake, at the church’s celebration of the 250th birthday of the nation.
Veterans
Community news report
honored at church pancake breakfast
Nine veterans were honored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-Airline Ward, Denham Springs Stake, July 4 during a pancake breakfast celebration for the 250th
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Christmas in July
birthday of the nation.
The children of the church decided they wanted to recognize the members of their congregation who served in the military, a news release said. With home made cards and patriotic mementos, the children sang the armed
Santa is trading in his reindeer for gators and making a summer stop at the Prop Stop on the Tickfaw River in Killian.
The day includes free photos with Santa, holiday fun, Christmas cheer, and a one-of-a-kind Louisiana Christmas experience. It’s happening Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Leadership Livingston applications July 21 is the deadline to apply for participation in the Livingston Leadership Class of 2027.
The program introduces Livingston residents to government, businesses, history and nonprofits that make the parish work.
The class starts on Aug. 10 with a meet and greet orientation, and an overnight retreat is Aug 16-17.
force songs for each veteran.
cer
Veterans included Robert Newsom, Air Force Airman First Class; Bob Degraff Marines USMC Corporal; Kimberleigh Patterson, Army National Guard; Jim Rabalais, Navy Petty Offi-
Monthly sessions begin Sept. 15 and end June 15 with graduation. To apply, email office@livingstonparishchamber.org.
Heritage Camp for kids
Register your child for Heritage Kids’ Camp on July 20-22 at the Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Church. Children ages 4 to 12 can take part in arts and crafts, kifli making and learning Hungarian words, dances and traditions. The camp is hosted by the Arpadhon Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association. For information, call Connie Olah at (225) 573-1400.
St. Jude, Shriner’s fundraiser Support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Baton Rouge and the Shriner’s Burn Unit on Aug. 29 at the Livingston Parish Fairgrounds at a community fundraiser hosted by Sheri’s Daiquiris. There will be live music, a barbecue cookoff, car truck and Jeep show and other activities. For additional information, contact (225) 615-6637.
Disc Golf Park open daily
The Walker Disc Golf Park, 13620 Aydell Lane, next to City Hall is open daily Stop by for a game of disc golf, or set up a game by using the disc gold app. Get information at walker.la.us/ sites/default/files//Disc%20Golf%20 app.jpg.
Hungarian Festival plans underway Celebrate Hungarian heritage with a weekend of family fun, food, music and entertainment at Fayard Field in Springfield with traditional Hungarian dancing and entertainment Sept. 25-27. The Hungarian Harvest Festival will include authentic Hungarian foods and pastries. For more information, call (985) 974-6883, (225) 278-3770 or email albanymagyars@gmail.com.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 603-1998.l
Community news report
The city of Hammond recycling days will be July 11 and July 18.
The July 4 dated was canceled due to the holiday
The residential recycling drop-off in Hammond is at the City Maintenance Facility, 18104 U.S. 190 East. The entrance gate is on Falcon Drive, next to the Piggly Wiggly and between Eastside Collision. Hammond recycling dates announced
Ear,nose, and throat specialist ErikRasmussen treatspatientsofall ages, offeringbothroutine care andadvanced surgical solutions—including Inspire® Therapy for sleepapnea From sinusproblemstoheadand neck surgery,he’s here to help youbreatheeasierand getbackto what matters most
To schedule an appointment, call(985) 230-2778.
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3rd Class; Clint Mallory, Navy Submarine Corp.; Cliff Caillouett, Army Spec. 5; John Williams, Army Spec. 5; Shavers Gordon, Army Spec 4.; and Larry Horacek, Army Lieutenant Colonel. The oldest veteran present was 95-year-old Newsom.
Veterans Robert Newsom, above and Shavers Gordon, left, are celebrated at the pancake breakfast.
Beta Club students earn awards
Community news report
Students from Livingston Parish demonstrated academic achievement, creativity leadership and service at the 2026 National Beta Convention held June 16-20 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, winning top honors in some of the convention’s most competitive academic and leadership events.
Denham Springs student Kate Dentro was selected as the 2026-27 National Beta Ambassador and French Settlement High School won the national champion in the Beta Blitz competition. Denham Springs High School was named national champion in the Senior Spanish Academic Test.
“The success of these students reflects countless hours of preparation, dedication, and support from teachers, sponsors, administrators, families and the community,” Superintendent Jody Purvis said “Their accomplishments on the national stage make Livingston Parish and the State of Louisiana incredibly proud.”
The National Ambassador selection process included an application and interview process designed to identify students who exemplify National Beta’s pillars of achievement, character, leadership and service. Out of candidates from across the country, Dentro is one of three students selected to serve as National Beta Ambassadors for the coming year As a National Ambassador, she will represent National Beta and the state of Louisiana throughout the year serving as a student leader and advocate for Beta members across the nation.
Students from Denham Springs High School Holden High School and French Settlement High School competed in various events and activities. Together, they earned 17 top-10 national placements academic and leadership events.
Denham Springs High School students earned the following honors: National Ambassador, Dentro, Senior Spanish Academic Test champion; Onsite Painting (Division 1), second place; All the World is a Stage (West Division), third place; Meeting of the Minds, fourth place;
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Riley organized the inaugural event, which is being held at the main branch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays through the end of July Tummy bags will be distributed each week.
Riley, a former paraprofessional in the Livingston Parish School System, said the reason for partnering with Mighty Moms is young children would have “something to fill their tummies.”
She said hunger among young children in Livingston Parish is a much greater need than people realize.
“There are so many children that go home, especially on the weekend, and they might not eat anything until they return to school on Monday,” said Riley, who has been a Mighty Moms volunteer for the past 10 years.
“And with being in the middle of summer and (schools) not being able to send these (bags) home from school on the weekend, that is why I thought we would (distribute) through the libraries,” she said. “It is another means of reaching those children.
Mighty Moms founder Dawn Birdsong said the majority of families the agency assists are working class, where both parents hold down jobs but they do not qualify for any government assistance, including SNAP or Medicare.
Reimagine, Recreate, Recycle, fourth place; Onsite Art — Drawing (Division II), fifth place; Project Proposal, fifth place; Beta Blitz, sixth place; Robotics, sixth Place; Black and White Photography (Division I), ninth place; Sculpture (Division I), ninth place; and Convention Invention, 10th place French Settlement High School students earned the following honors: Beta Blitz, Champion; Project Proposal, second place; Digital Portfolio, third place; and Being Better Betas, fourth place.
Holden High School students earned fourth place in the Variety Act competition.
April Riley, seated rear, outreach director
McCain and her son, Elijah McCain,
Mighty Moms Storytime.
again,” Riley said, adding that after the success of the inaugural event she hopes to present them in all of the branches of the library system.
Birdsong said she values the agency’s relationship with the library and for her it is personal.
“I grew up in the library with my mom and dad, and I love the library for so many reasons,” she said “But I also love the fact that Mighty Moms can partner with
“We
Birdsong
“It is so important for Mighty Moms to bridge that gap for so many families that are working hard but can’t seem to make ends meet,” she said “You are barely making ends meet and you need two new tires on the car This is real life.”
Denham Springs resident Beth Sullivan, who brought her daughter, Tully Sullivan, to the storytelling, praised the library’s community outreach program, especially during the summer when the down time results in parents preparing extra meals and providing added snacks, all coming at a cost. “With all of the extra time we have with the kids (the tummy bags) help to give out food to the kids,” Beth Sullivan said. “Knowing that you have the resources
and it is out
“We know kids are hungry all of the time whether you are living in a food insecure home or not.” The program launched June 27 when 41 people attended. Riley said her goal is to expand the program into all of parish’s branches.
On a recent Friday morning, she was comforted in watching the smiles on students’ faces as they participated in the crafts, danced to the music or launched an all-out attack on the snacks.
“I try to encourage them to feel comfortable,” she said. “And parents are appreciative of this. I have heard the phase ‘they are eating me out of house and home a couple of times.’” For more information, contact (225) 435-9195 or email: info@mightymomsgo. org.
Nutritional and patriotic books geared toward young children were available during the Mighty Moms Storytime.
PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK
at the Livingston Library main branch in Livingston, smiles as she watches Rachel
right, and Beth and her daughter, Tully Sullivan work on projects July 3 during the
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Members of the French Settlement High School Beta Club and their sponsors pose for a group picture at the 2026 National Beta Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The club placed in the Top 10 in four competitions, including winning Champion of the Beta Blitz competition.
Members of the Denham Springs High School Beta Club pose for a group picture at the 2026 National Beta Convention in Nashville, Tenn. The club placed in the Top 10 in twelve of the competitions, including winning champion of the Senior Spanish Academic Test competition.
Denham Springs High School student Kate Dentro stands on stage, center, at the 2026 National Beta Convention to earn recognition as one of three students named a National Beta Ambassador for the coming year
Denham Springs High School student Delia Nunez holds the championship trophy for the 2026 National Beta Convention’s Senior Spanish Academic Test Competition.
