Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards wants state fleets to transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles in an effort to meet the state’s goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The governor said the state will use federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IJJA) for electric vehicle infrastructure, $14 million this year and $75 million over the next five.
“This federal funding is a critical to helping Louisiana do its part to reduce carbon emissions in order to provide a more sustainable future for generations to come,” said Shawn D. Wilson, secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, in a prepared statement. “Overall, we want to convert gas stations into fuel stations where a variety of fuel options, including electric charging, are available. In order to become a competitor in green energy, Louisiana must make changes, and this starts with our transportation industry.”
Stated Ann Vail, executive director of Louisiana Clean Fuels:
“Louisiana Clean Fuels is committed to working with the Governor and our state agencies to help us attain our climate action goals of transitioning 50 percent of public fleets to zero-emission vehicles and fuels by 2035 and 100 percent by 2050 and to install 250 electric charging stations per 100,000 residents by 2050.
“Louisiana already has complete compressed natural gas and propane corridors on most of our interstate highways. I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to support our state’s efforts to nominate our critical interest corridors for Electric vehicles and hydrogen as well.”
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will begin to develop the grant programs and aims to solicit applications over the next year. In the second year, the department will make awards, monitor and inspect installations, and identify and correct weaknesses in the grant programs for use in future rounds of solicitations and awards.
Source: Office of the Governor
