A bill from the 2021 legislative session that’s been signed into law sets the framework for delivery devices to begin in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Governor Edwards will announce COVID-19 vaccine incentives today in an attempt to increase the state’s vaccinated population which currently sits at around one and a half million. Eric Picolli has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Eric Picolli.”
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The Biden Administration is interested in potentially having companies set up wind turbines in the shallow waters off the Gulf of Mexico coast. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”
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If you’re planning on buying an electric vehicle in hopes of receiving a tax credit you better make that purchase in the next two weeks. Louisiana Clean Fuels Co-Coordinator Tyler Hermann says the legislature passed a bill that accelerates the sunset date of the up to $2,500 tax credit for the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle.
Cut 4 (06) “…from now.”
The original date was January 1, 2022.
Hermann says it’s too early to tell if this will have an impact on a consumer’s choice to purchase an electric vehicle in the state, but he says it could have a large economic impact on fleets that use the vehicles because they operate on a specific procurement schedule.
Cut 5 (09) “..going to get.”
Hermann says if you are in the market and buying specifically to take advantage of the tax credit, be advised it is a nonrefundable income tax credit so you have to have $2,500 of tax liability left over for the 2021 tax year.
Cut 6 (09) “…of it.”
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Governor Edwards has signed into law a measure that creates the framework for self-driving delivery robots to carry packages, food, etc. on the state’s streets. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says they aren’t self-driving cars per se but more comparable to drones.
Cut 7 (10) “…to food.”
Included in the framework of Senate Bill 147 are regulations that the devices must yield to pedestrians, cannot obstruct traffic or transport hazardous materials.
Ward says neighborhood stores could utilize a service company to deliver their goods to consumers in the area.
Cut 8 (11) “…the service.”
Ward says the innovation of the delivery devices is ideal for those who have limited transportation, like the elderly, and the robots could deliver their prescriptions.
The devices will be limited on the speed at which they can operate, and Ward says they also won’t be permitted for use around airports. Local municipalities will also be able to set regulations for the devices.
Cut 9 (09) “…to me.”
The delivery robots must also have lights on the front and rear of the device and also maintain at least $100,000 of insurance.
Several other states have passed similar laws.
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Today Governor Edwards will announce COVID-19 vaccine incentives to bolster the state’s vaccinated population. Edwards teased the announcement during his monthly radio show Ask the Governor.
Cut 10 (08) “…to promote vaccinations.”
Pressure to get more people vaccinated has increased as the percentage of COVID cases tied to a new Delta strand have tripled in Louisiana. Edwards says he’s spoken with the White House regarding the rate of growth.
Cut 11 (09)”…hospitalizations and deaths.”
About a third of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated with 47% of those 18 and older getting their doses while almost 80% of those 65 and older having started the process. Edwards says while the state continues to make progress those who aren’t convinced should seek information regarding the vaccines.
Cut 12 (11) “…is your choice.”
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The Biden Administration is asking energy companies if they’d be interested in setting up offshore wind turbines off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico.
LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes says it’s the beginning of a long road towards the ultimate development of renewable energy in the Gulf.
Cut 13 (11) “…wind.”
Dismukes notes northeastern states began the process to set up offshore wind turbines about 15 years ago and are just now starting to implement the program.
Dismukes says you likely could generate some electricity using Gulf turbines but there’s a number of questions that must be answered from hurricane resiliency to…
Cut 14 (07) “…hours.”
Dismukes says after finding a buyer and offering that company at least a 20-year contract you would then have to build transmission lines from the Gulf and then integrate them into the power grid.
Cut 15 (09)“…challenge.”
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Pelicans Executive Vice President David Griffin says the mutual decision to part ways with head coach Stan Van Gundy after only one season was due to philosophical differences in how to move forward with the young team.
Griffin was effusive in his praise of Van Gundy in a press conference after the news broke.
Cut 16 (19) “…coach.”
The Pelicans ended Van Gundy’s only season 31-41 good for only 11th in the Western Conference, one spot shy of making the playoff play-in tournament.
Griffin made some puzzling comments during the press conference…
Cut 17 (17) …development.”
Griffin also addressed rumors that current assistant coach and Naismith Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon is a favorite for the job. He says that rumor was likely the result of Weatherspoon being named summer league head coach…
Cut 18 (22)”…itself.”
Pels assistant Fred Vinson and Buck’s assistant Charles Lee are also reportedly in the running for the job.