Search Results for keywords:"Louisiana"

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a notice amending a major disaster declaration for Louisiana, originally declared on August 28, 2020. The amendment specifically adds Richland Parish to the list of areas affected by the disaster, making it eligible for certain federal assistance programs like debris removal and permanent work support. This includes a range of assistance categories like public assistance and help for individuals and households impacted by the disaster. The amendment was officially issued on January 13, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of comments on Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) from other federal agencies, as required by the Clean Air Act. For the week ending February 10, 2025, the EPA received EISs for two projects: the CP2 LNG and CP Express Pipeline Projects in Louisiana, and the Spring Valley Mine Project in Nevada. The public comment period for both projects ends on March 31, 2025. The EPA provides access to its comment letters on EISs through a dedicated website.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) from Louisiana that aims to meet the air quality standards set by the Clean Air Act. Submitted on November 4, 2020, the plan addresses requirements to reduce emissions that affect visibility and pollution in neighboring states, fulfilling a previous shortcoming related to Prong 4, which involves visibility transport rules. With the approval of Louisiana's regional haze plan, the EPA believes the state now satisfies the necessary provisions for various pollutants, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5). The plan ensures that Louisiana's measures align with federal air quality standards and do not interfere with the air quality efforts of other states.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff has completed an environmental assessment (EA) for the Eunice Reliability and Lake Charles Supply Project proposed by Texas Gas and Gulf South. This project involves upgrading and expanding natural gas facilities in Louisiana to provide increased transportation service for the Lake Charles area. According to the EA, the project's approval would not significantly impact the environment. FERC invites the public to submit comments on the EA by March 3, 2025, through various methods, including online submission or mailing.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a notice regarding an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration for Louisiana due to a winter storm in January 2025. Businesses in affected parishes like Ascension and Calcasieu can apply for these loans online through the MySBA Loan Portal. The deadline for applying is November 25, 2025. Parishes in neighboring states Mississippi and Texas are also included in the declaration, allowing them to apply for assistance.

An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board by the Port of New Orleans so that they can reorganize and expand the service area of Foreign-Trade Zone 2. They want to include St. Tammany Parish in addition to the currently covered areas of Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes in Louisiana. This expansion would allow them to better serve businesses needing foreign-trade zone status. Public comments on the application are open until February 3, 2025, with rebuttal comments accepted until February 18, 2025.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is preparing a new environmental report for the Commonwealth LNG Project in Louisiana. This comes after a court said FERC didn't fully consider the project's nitrogen dioxide emissions. The project will include a terminal for liquefying and exporting natural gas, as well as a short pipeline. FERC plans to release a draft of the new report in February 2025 and a final order by July 2025.

Gulf South Pipeline Company, LLC has filed a notice with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to abandon a portion of its natural gas pipeline in Louisiana. Gulf South plans to remove about 5.3 miles of the 16-inch pipeline, and this will not impact its existing customers. Interested parties have until March 23, 2021, to file protests, motions to intervene, or comments regarding this proposal. The public can view documents related to this project online and submit their input electronically or by mail.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a notice about an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration for Louisiana following a Mass Casualty Incident. This declaration allows businesses affected by the disaster to apply for loans to address economic injuries. The incident period began on January 1, 2025, and the final date to submit loan applications is October 3, 2025. Orleans Parish is the primary area affected, with neighboring parishes Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany also included in the declaration.

The Louisiana Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a virtual public meeting on May 6, 2025, via Zoom. The meeting's goal is to discuss a project proposal concerning involuntary mental health commitments in Louisiana. The public is encouraged to attend and can make oral statements during the open comment period. For additional information, individuals may contact Melissa Wojnaroski or check the Commission's website.