BATON ROUGE — Louisiana firefighters and first responders now have access to specialized training for carbon dioxide pipeline emergencies thanks to a new program launched Tuesday by state officials and ExxonMobil.
The Louisiana Pipeline Emergency Training Program, a collaboration between the Louisiana State Fire & Emergency Training Academy and River Parishes Community College, was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Baton Rouge. The initiative centers on a unique CO₂ pipeline training simulator that officials say is the first of its kind in the state.
ExxonMobil funded the program with a $50,000 donation and contributed training equipment and curriculum valued at more than $500,000, representing what state officials called a major boost to Louisiana's emergency preparedness infrastructure.
"Pipelines are an important part of Louisiana's infrastructure and energy future, but with that comes responsibility," said Chief Bryan J. Adams, Louisiana DPS Principal Assistant State Fire Marshal. "This equipment and program will give Louisiana's firefighters the hands-on experience they need to respond quickly, effectively and safely."
The program divides instruction into classroom sessions at River Parishes Community College in Gonzales and practical field training at the fire academy in Baton Rouge. Students learn pipeline terminology, operational procedures, and the distinct risks posed by liquid and CO₂ transportation before moving to hands-on exercises.
The field portion includes live fire drills and release simulations using the donated CO₂ training prop, allowing responders to practice managing carbon dioxide releases and pipeline fires under controlled conditions. ExxonMobil is covering the cost, making the training free for all participants.
The energy company developed the curriculum in partnership with the National Association of State Fire Marshals. As the operator of the nation's largest CO₂ pipeline network, ExxonMobil created what it describes as the first emergency response training specifically designed for first responders who work in areas with carbon dioxide infrastructure.
"At ExxonMobil, safety is our core value, and training is the foundation of safety," said Brian Carlin, CO₂ Operations Manager at ExxonMobil. "We're proud to work alongside FETA and RPCC to make world-class CO₂ emergency training available right here in Louisiana, helping to ensure every firefighter, from urban departments to rural parishes, has access to the tools and skills needed to respond safely and effectively."
The program held its first class over the weekend preceding Tuesday's ceremony. Local firefighters practiced with the custom-built simulator, working through scenarios designed to replicate actual pipeline emergency conditions.
"We are grateful to ExxonMobil for introducing new and innovative tools that enhance the proactive training of first responders," said Chancellor Quintin Taylor of River Parishes Community College. "This program allows teams to practice real-life scenarios, ensuring the safety of both our communities and our responders."
State officials emphasized the program's location in Louisiana's Capital Region provides convenient access for emergency personnel from parishes throughout the state where CO₂ pipelines operate.
