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Trump unplugs federal funding for Louisiana EV charging stations • Louisiana Illuminator

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lailluminator.com – Wesley Muller – 2025-02-07 15:20:00

Trump unplugs federal funding for Louisiana EV charging stations

by Wesley Muller, Louisiana Illuminator
February 7, 2025

President Donald Trump has suspended all federal funding, including money for Louisiana projects, that he considers part of a wider “scam” to force people to buy electric vehicles. 

Congress allocated $73 million to Louisiana in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as part of its National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. At Trump’s direction, the Federal Highway Administration issued a memo Wednesday to suspend the program and withhold any money that hasn’t already been spent. 

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development was slated to disburse the NEVI dollars among local companies to build EV charging stations along the state’s interstate corridors. Businesses interested in building the stations would be able to compete for the money, with DOTD issuing grants to cover up to 80% of the project costs. 

Louisiana lagged behind most other states in rolling out its NEVI grant program, but state transportation officials managed to launch it just before Trump took office and had begun accepting grant applications. 

Louisiana lags on electric vehicle charging program, but DOTD sees ‘no reason to rush’

There was no immediate response to questions about the NEVI program from DOTD Public Information Officer Rodney Mallet or the department’s media staff.

The agency has closed its online NEVI grant application portal and added a notice in red capital letters: “INDEFINITELY POSTPONED PENDING FHA REVIEW.”  

Trump has repeatedly expressed his dislike of President Joe Biden’s signature legislative achievements that included funding for clean energy and transportation technology. Despite this, EV demand has surged in the U.S. and around the world, according to an analysis from Cox Automotive.

Trump’s move could be temporary. The FHA memo said the administration plans to review each state’s grant process before unfreezing the money. 

Ryan McKinnon of the Charge Ahead Partnership, which lobbies for EV charging standards, issued a statement Friday in defense of the NEVI program, saying the EV charging marketplace faced many problems long before NEVI’s existence with unfair competition from electric utilities poorly-planned installations. 

When interest in electric vehicles first began to grow, many chargers were placed in locations where drivers rarely stopped and were often not maintained. NEVI started to change that by prioritizing establishments that had successful business models for EV charging and placing chargers along busy roadways where drivers used them, McKinnon said. 

“We hope the FHWA takes this opportunity to ensure state NEVI plans are encouraging private investment in EV charging while also being confident that federal funds are not being wasted,” he said.

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Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.

News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

All Hail King Clifton – The Current

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thecurrentla.com – Erin Bass – 2025-07-07 13:00:00

SUMMARY:

Following a recent star-studded tribute, Clifton Chenier, the “King of Zydeco,” has gained renewed attention. Author Todd Mouton spent 32 years researching Chenier’s life and music, culminating in his new book, The King of Zydeco. Chenier, active from 1955 until his death in 1987, transformed zydeco music and broke racial barriers during segregation. Despite health challenges, he performed passionately, influencing generations. Mouton’s book uncovers new truths about Chenier’s legacy and emphasizes his cultural significance as the trunk of zydeco’s musical tree. The book, released alongside tribute events, celebrates and preserves Chenier’s enduring impact on Louisiana’s musical heritage.

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Why Texas Hill Country is one of the deadliest places in the US for flash flooding

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wgno.com – Hatim Sharif Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at San – 2025-07-07 10:18:00

SUMMARY: Texas Hill Country, known for its rugged landscapes and shallow rivers, is a hotspot for deadly flash floods. On July 4, 2025, a severe flash flood hit this region, rapidly raising the Guadalupe River by over 20 feet within 90 minutes, causing significant fatalities. The area’s steep hills, semi-arid soils, and the Balcones Escarpment contribute to fast-moving floodwaters. Texas leads the U.S. in flood deaths, with many in Flash Flood Alley, spanning from Dallas to San Antonio. Improved flood forecasting, better public education on flood risks—especially for drivers—and road barricades during high flood risks are essential for enhancing safety and reducing deaths.

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The post Why Texas Hill Country is one of the deadliest places in the US for flash flooding appeared first on wgno.com

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Morning Forecast – Monday, July 7th

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www.youtube.com – KTVE – 2025-07-07 08:54:12

SUMMARY: The morning forecast for Monday, July 7th, shows mostly clear skies early with a warm and moist airmass in place, leading to a hot, humid day. Patchy to scattered thunderstorms are expected mainly in the afternoon and early evening, with some lingering after sunset. Moisture, heat, and upper-level disturbances will sustain these storms over the next few days. Temperatures will rise from the low-to-mid 70s in the morning to the low-to-mid 90s by late afternoon, potentially reaching upper 90s in southern and eastern areas. An upper-level ridge will fluctuate but generally promote warming through the week.

Skies are mostly clear, bright and early this Monday morning. A very warm and moist airmass remains in place making for another hot and humid day. Patchy to scattered t-storms are possible for this afternoon. Typical summertime pattern with most of the rain will be concentrated mainly in the afternoon and early evening with a few storms lingering just after sunset. Moisture, daytime heat, and upper level disturbances will keep scattered t-storms in the forecast for the next couple of days. Temperatures will be back up on the climb by the late week into the upper 90’s.

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