Federal Disaster Response & Relief

Louisiana’s unique susceptibility to hurricanes and floods makes disaster preparedness and response critical to the safety and well-being of our communities. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of storms, we must focus on creating a disaster relief system that prioritizes rapid, efficient response while building long-term resilience, particularly for our most vulnerable populations.

In the wake of devastating events like Hurricane Helene, which – in addition to the tremendous loss of life – left parts of the Southeast U.S. without shelter, power, and access to basic needs, it is clear that our current systems are not doing enough. The federal government must ensure that FEMA and other agencies have the resources and flexibility needed to provide immediate, effective relief to communities hit hardest by natural disasters. This includes improving emergency housing protocols to ensure no American is left without shelter, even temporarily, in the aftermath of a catastrophe.

Beyond immediate relief, I support the development of solar-powered resiliency hubs, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods, that would provide power and essential services when the grid is down. These hubs, which can operate independently from the grid, would be equipped with solar panels, battery storage, and essential supplies, allowing communities to maintain access to electricity, communication, and medical services during extended power outages. These hubs would be essential for ensuring that low-income communities, often hit hardest by disasters, have access to resources that can save lives.

Additionally, we need stronger federal investment in building more resilient infrastructure, including emergency housing solutions that can be deployed quickly and efficiently. This means updating the Stafford Act to allow federal disaster funds to be used on emergency housing automatically, without penalizing operators. Providing stable, short-term housing in the wake of disasters should be a federal priority, not an afterthought.

It’s time we prioritize smart, resilient infrastructure and ensure that communities can recover quickly without having to wait for the federal government to catch up.

Addressing Utility Costs Through Clean Energy and Modernization

The rising cost of utilities is a pressing issue for many American households. To alleviate this burden and ensure a sustainable future, I am committed to advancing policies that promote clean energy generation, make it easier and more affordable for property owners to adopt renewable energy solutions, and modernize our nation’s power grid.

Universal Net Metering

Universal net metering is a key component of my policy to reduce utility costs. Net metering allows property owners who generate their own electricity, typically through solar panels, to sell excess energy back to the grid. This not only lowers their utility bills but also contributes to the overall energy supply. I support universal net metering policies that ensure fair compensation for individuals and businesses who invest in renewable energy. By making net metering universally available, we can encourage more people to adopt clean energy solutions, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower overall utility costs.

Here’s my full position specifically on universal net metering.

Emphasis on Clean Energy Generation

Transitioning to clean energy is essential for both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. I advocate for policies that make clean energy generation as easy, accessible, and incentivized as possible for the average property owner. This includes:

  • Tax Incentives and Rebates: Expanding federal tax credits and rebates for installing renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines. These financial incentives can significantly lower the upfront costs of clean energy systems, making them more accessible to homeowners and businesses.
  • Simplified Permitting Processes: Streamlining local, state, and federal permitting processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects.
  • Educational Programs: Funding educational programs to raise awareness about the benefits of clean energy and provide resources for property owners interested in renewable energy systems.

Solar-Powered Resiliency Hubs

In Louisiana, we face unique challenges during hurricane season. To enhance community resilience, I propose creating solar-powered resiliency hubs. These hubs can provide reliable power during outages caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters. Equipped with solar panels and energy storage systems, these hubs would:

  • Support Emergency Services: Ensure that critical services such as medical facilities, emergency response centers, and community shelters have access to uninterrupted power during crises.
  • Serve as Community Centers: Provide a safe space for residents to charge devices, store perishable goods, and access essential information during prolonged outages.
  • Enhance Community Resilience: Strengthen our ability to respond to and recover from natural disasters, making our communities more resilient and self-sufficient.

Modernizing the Power Grid

A modernized power grid is critical for integrating renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. I support initiatives to:

  • Upgrade Grid Infrastructure: Invest in modernizing the current grid infrastructure to handle increased loads from renewable energy sources and improve resilience against outages and cyber-attacks.
  • Smart Grid Technology: Implement smart grid technologies that enhance grid management, allow for real-time monitoring and control, and enable more efficient energy distribution.
  • Energy Storage Solutions: Promote the development and deployment of advanced energy storage solutions to store excess renewable energy and ensure a reliable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.

National Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

To drive the transition to clean energy on a national scale, I support the implementation of a national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). An RPS mandates that a certain percentage of electricity sold by utilities comes from renewable sources. This policy would:

  • Set Ambitious Targets: Establish clear, achievable targets for renewable energy generation that increase over time, pushing utilities to adopt more clean energy sources.
  • Encourage Innovation: Spur innovation in the renewable energy sector by creating a stable market demand for clean energy technologies.
  • Reduce Emissions: Significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to national and global efforts to combat climate change.
  • Increase the value of energy generation: When utility companies have to meet clean energy goals, they will pay an arm and a leg to those who are making that job a little easier. This has the potential to put a real premium on energy generation, making your utility bill a lot lower. Or better yet, making the check they have to write you a lot bigger.

By addressing utility costs through universal net metering, promoting clean energy generation, modernizing the power grid, and implementing a national RPS, we can create a more sustainable, affordable, and resilient energy system. These policies not only lower utility bills for American families but also pave the way for a cleaner and more prosperous future. I am committed to championing these initiatives and ensuring that every property owner has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our nation’s clean energy transition.