President Biden is expected to announce a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling licenses on federal lands and waters. Matt Doyle spoke with Senator Bill Cassidy about the decision…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
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Governor John Bel Edwards has asked President Joe Biden to push Congress to approve three-billion dollars in funding to help with recovery from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
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Boating related incidents and fatalities increased by 20-percent in 2020, Brooke Thorington spoke with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries about the increase.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The Biden Administration is expected to issue a yearlong moratorium on new oil and gas drilling licenses for federal lands and waters.
Senator Bill Cassidy blasted the move. He says it will destroy Louisiana jobs and not help solve the world’s greenhouse gas emission problem.
Cut 4 (09)“…here.”
The Biden Administration also revoked the permit for the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline, a move that will cost a reported 11,000 jobs.
Cassidy says reducing American production of fossil fuels will hurt our international standing and strengthen America’s rivals.
Cut 5 (05) “…example.”
The American petroleum institute estimates about 22 percent of all American oil and 12 percent of all American gas production occurs on federal lands and waters.
The Biden Administration says the move is vital to helping the country limit global warming but Cassidy says if cleaner burning and produced American fuel isn’t available countries will turn to dirtier options…
Cut 6 (10) “…energy.”
One of the first moves the new administration made was rejoining the Paris Climate Accord, an agreement by member countries to become carbon neutral by 2050.
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Today marks five months since Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana causing massive damage and the rebuild is far from complete. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s asked President Joe Biden and Congress to approve an additional three-billion dollars in assistance
Cut 7 (11) “…agricultural losses.”
The governor made a similar request with the Trump administration, but it was never fulfilled. Edwards says the community block grant funding would help storm victims pay for repairs to their homes, strengthen a person’s home from future storms and also create affordable rental housing.
Edwards says President Biden has told him he understands what the needs are in southwest Louisiana and they also have an ally in former Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond, who serves as the President’s advisor
Cut 8 (10) “…deledation.”
An estimated 47-thousand homes in 21 parishes were damaged by Hurricane Laura. Edwards says they still have 684 evacuees living in hotels in New Orleans and Lafayette…
Cut 9 (14) “…as well.”
Despite the struggles, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter believes the recovery is ahead of schedule, based on the conversations he’s had with other mayors who have dealt with major natural disasters
Cut 10 (13) “…today.”
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Boating crash incidents and boating-related fatalities increased by twenty percent in 2020. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says the pandemic has caused an increase in the number of boaters out on the water.
Cut 11 (10) “….safe manner.”
In 2020 the state recorded 162 incidents compared to 135 in 2019 and 24 fatalities last year an increase of four from 2019.
So far in 2021 three boating fatalities have been reported which includes two 15-year old boys in Caldwell Parish. The operator of the boat has been charged with vehicular homicide and operating a vessel while intoxicated.
Einck says while they haven’t seen a trend for the uptick of boating incidents, they do however equate the increase to more traffic on the waterways. As for fatalities, they do see a common thread.
Cut 12 (10) “…your life.”
Of the 24 fatalities last year 20 were recovered without lifejackets. Einck says anyone 16 years of age or younger is required to wear a lifejacket. He says they make a variety of personal floatation devices so invest in one that you’ll wear.
Cut 13 (05) “….I feel.”
LDWF says in 2020, four of the 24 boating fatalities involved alcohol. Nationwide alcohol is the leading contributor to fatal boating accidents, causing 19 percent of all boating deaths.
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Beginning next week Louisiana will receive 67,350 COVID vaccine doses, an increase of almost 16 percent. President Joe Biden announced an overhaul to the Federal distribution of COVID vaccines Tuesday. Since taking office last week the administration has been working to increase vaccine availability to meet the strong demand from states.
Cut 14 (09) “…10-million doses.”
It’s all part of Biden’s goal to vaccine 1.5 million Americans daily, an increase of a half a million from his previously announced initiative. The number of vaccines distributed is based on population.
Cut 15 (11)“…anticipated.”
Biden also says after complaints from both democrat and republican governors and inconsistencies in distribution, they are increasing transparency with the vaccine distribution so states can plan ahead for vaccine rollout.
Cut 16 (10) “…going to get.”
Biden’s official goal on administering vaccines still remains at 100 million shots in his first 100 days in office, which equates to 50 million being fully vaccinated with two doses. According to the CDC as of Tuesday 3.3 million Americans have received two doses of the vaccines.