Environment
Louisiana 2nd worst state for electric vehicle infrastructure, but ‘we’re going to catch up’
Louisiana has fallen far behind the rest of the nation when it comes to electric vehicle infrastructure, according to a recent study that analyzed the latest U.S. Department of Energy data. However, the state has plans to change that. The vehicle research company iSeeCars.com published a study Monday that analyzed data from the Department of […]
Black and Hispanic Texans say they don’t trust the quality of their water
Black and Hispanic people and those living in low-income Texas communities are highly concerned about the quality of their drinking water, a new survey shows. Commissioned by the nonprofit organization Texas Water Trade, the survey included responses from 650 households in both rural border communities and urban areas across Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. Among those […]
How dangerous was the Ohio chemical train derailment? An environmental engineer assesses the risks
Headaches and lingering chemical smells from a fiery train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, have left residents worried about their air and water – and misinformation on social media hasn’t helped. State officials offered more details of the cleanup process and a timeline of the environmental disaster during a news conference on Feb. 14, 2023. […]
Solar-powered ‘lighthouses’ could offer refuge from natural disasters
A coalition of churches and organizations across Louisiana are building hundreds of solar-powered microgrids that will give communities a place of refuge during natural disasters and other blackouts. The nonprofit coalition Together Louisiana presented details of the plan, dubbed the Community Lighthouse Project, at Thursday’s meeting of the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). Its members […]
Louisiana may exclude more banks from state business over guns, energy policy
The Louisiana State Bond Commission might further limit the state’s business with large banks based on their dealings with gun manufacturers and energy companies. Critics fear such a restriction could cost taxpayers more money by limiting competition for the state’s banking business. Bond commission members intend to interview representatives from a handful of banks next […]
New state utility regulator wants to reduce rates, introduce renewable mandates
After defying the odds to become the first openly LGBTQ person elected to a statewide office, Davante Lewis intends to use the momentum to take on utility giants such as Entergy and move the state toward more renewable energy in his first six-year term on Louisiana’s Public Service Commission. Many see Lewis’ victory as a […]
Governor expects DEQ response soon to Grant Parish burn pit complaints
Neighbors of a hazardous waste disposal facility in Central Louisiana should hear soon from state regulators regarding health issues they have linked to burn pits used at the site, according to Gov. John Bel Edwards. On the Louisiana Radio Network’s monthly “Ask the Governor” show, Edwards fielded a pointed question about the proposed permit renewal […]
Louisiana considers swapping gas tax with mileage fees
Louisiana is eyeing a pilot program that would charge drivers a mileage fee as a way to replace or augment the gasoline tax. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson unveiled the idea during the Louisiana Legislature’s Electric Vehicle Task Force meeting Wednesday. Wilson, who announced his retirement later in the day, told lawmakers his department is looking […]
FEMA deadline for Hurricane Ida assistance maroons coastal residents
PLAQUEMINES PARISH – Rosina Philippe, a tribal elder with Atakapa-Ishak/Chawasha tribe, needs more time to help villages like hers recover from damage caused by Hurricane Ida in 2021. Philippe is a native of Grand Bayou Indian Village, a bayou community in lower Plaquemines Parish that was built by indigenous people and lies outside any levee […]
Across the country, a big backlash to new renewables is mounting
BUCYRUS, Ohio — In four terms as a county elected official in northern Ohio, it was the most contentious issue Doug Weisenauer had ever seen. The state legislature had newly empowered county governments to drastically restrict wind and solar power development, a process formerly overseen by the Ohio Power Siting Board, and the meetings of […]
Fossil fuel drilling threatens air and wildlife in national parks, advocacy group finds
WASHINGTON — A “massive” methane cloud forming over Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. Noxious air pollution fouling Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Herds of mule deer and pronghorn at risk of decimation at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Environmental problems like these are already resulting from fossil fuel extraction near four […]
Army Corps again rejects St. John grain elevator impact report
This story was originally published by ProPublica. For the second time in six months, a federal agency reprimanded a Louisiana developer for its failure to offer an adequate assessment of the harm that its proposed $400 million agricultural development would cause to neighboring Black communities and historic sites. In a forceful letter dated Dec. 23, […]