Louisiana
Trump administration weighs polluter exemptions, sparking backlash in Louisiana's ‘Cancer Alley’
A Biden-era rule to cut toxic emissions near petrochemical plants is under threat as the Trump administration considers industry requests to delay compliance.
Nicholas Kusnetz reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Industry groups asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a two-year exemption from a major air pollution rule targeting cancer-linked emissions from petrochemical plants, citing high costs and operational challenges.
- Communities in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” where many residents are Black and already exposed to high levels of chloroprene and ethylene oxide, fear the rollback would prolong their exposure to dangerous air toxins.
- The Trump administration has signaled willingness to consider waivers under a Clean Air Act clause tied to national security, putting enforcement of the emissions rule in limbo.
Key quote:
“They are now just saying publicly like this that our lives are not important when it comes to the profits of these corporations.”
— Robert Taylor, leader of Concerned Citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish
Why this matters:
In the stretch of southern Louisiana between Baton Rouge and New Orleans — known grimly as “Cancer Alley” — residents have long lived in the shadow of massive petrochemical facilities. For years, public health researchers and environmental watchdogs have sounded alarms about sky-high levels of carcinogens like chloroprene and ethylene oxide in the air, particularly near predominantly Black, working-class communities. These chemicals are linked to cancers of the liver, lungs, and lymphatic system, with children facing even greater risks due to their developing bodies and higher exposure rates. Under the Biden administration, some steps were taken to tighten emissions standards and invest in air monitoring, but now, as President Trump resumes efforts to cut regulations in the name of economic growth and national security, those modest gains could be undone.
Learn more:
MONROE, La. (KNOE) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is rolling out a new road safety project aimed at improving driving conditions across five parishes in Northeast Louisiana.
Work began this week in Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Union Parishes as part of a $1.86 million project to add and update rumble strips and pavement striping on several major roadways.
DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the upgrades are intended to make roads safer for drivers, especially at night.
“Increase and improve visibility, particularly at night, so when motorists are driving they’re better able to stay in their lanes and avoid run-off-road crashes,” Buchanan said.
Among the areas receiving updates, U.S. Highway 165 is one of the most traveled routes included in the project, with work scheduled in both Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes. Other highways slated for striping and rumble strip work include U.S. 167, U.S. 63, U.S. 425, LA 34, and LA 134.
Construction will take place daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., weather permitting, and is expected to wrap up by mid-Fall 2025.
“It’s not going to be something that has a major impact on traffic,” Buchanan added. “So it won’t be something where you’ll have to worry about a detour route or it really impacting your day-to-day commute.”
The DOTD is encouraging drivers to stay alert and use caution in active construction zones, as crews will be working one lane at a time using slow-moving equipment.
For updates on this project and other traffic advisories, visit http://www.dotd.la.gov or follow DOTD on social media.
Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved.
SHREVEPORT, LA – Big news is coming from Trader Joe’s. The very popular grocery chain is opening several new locations and Louisiana is one of the lucky states to land a new store.
Trader Joe’s is opening more stores in 13 states.
Where Are the Current Trader Joe’s in Louisiana?
Trader Joe’s Grocery Store
Metairie
2949 Veterans Blvd
Baton Rouge
3535 Perkins Rd
The Trader Joe’s website says stores are planned in these locations:
Hoover Alabama
Yucaipa, Tracy, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks and Northridge California
Westminster Colorado
Town Square Maryland
Boston Massachusetts
Woodbridge/Iselin New Jersey
Glenmont and Tottenville New York
San Antonio Texas
Oklahoma City Oklahoma
Berwyn and Exton Pennsylvania
Myrtle Beach South Carolina
Bellingham Washington
Brookland/Washington, D.C.
Friendship Heights/Washington, D.C.
READ MORE: What to do to bring Trader Joe’s to Shreveport
Where Is the New Trader Joe’s Opening in Louisiana?
Sorry to say Shreveport is not in the plan for a Trader Joe’s right now, but New Orleans will be getting another store. The newest one in Louisiana will be opening at 2501 Tulane Avenue in the Mid-City area.
Louisiana Home To America’s 12 Favorite Food Chains
Here are America’s 12 most popular dining options. All have locations in Louisiana!
Here Are Some Ways to Trim Your Grocery Bill
Grocery prices have a lot of families trying to pinch pennies. Do you have some shopping tricks that save you some money.
It’s time to end the predatory trap of unregulated payday lending | Opinion
Obituary for Jonathon Scott Doom at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home
Tennessee Football’s Dont’e Thornton Jr Could Be the Biggest Day 3 NFL Draft Steal
Texas Coach Jim Schlossnagle Details Emotional First Matchup Against Former Texas A&M Squad
Tribune Editorial: Don’t let federal government shirk its duty to protecting public lands
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Who’s Speaking at College Graduations Across the U.S.?
Kennedy Center cancels LGBTQ+ Pride events to align with new priorities after Trump fired center's leadership
Brussels, my love? 2024 was the warmest year on record
Justice Department revokes Biden-era protections for reporters in leak investigations
China Rejects Trump Claim of Tariff Talks With Xi
-
Culture1 week agoAs likely No. 1 WNBA Draft pick, Paige Bueckers is among new generation of young talent
-
Business1 week agoVideo: Fed Chair Says Trump Tariffs Could Worsen Inflation
-
News1 week agoThe Lyrid meteor shower is expected to dazzle the night sky beginning this week
-
World1 week agoTrump touts ‘progress’ in Japan trade talks, as uncertainty roils stocks
-
Education1 week agoRead the Letter From Kristi Noem to Harvard
-
Education1 week agoVideo: Shooting at Florida State University Leaves 2 Dead and 6 Injured
-
Science1 week agoA 'calamity waiting to unfold': Altadena residents with standing homes fear long-term health effects
-
News6 days agoHarvard would be smart to follow Hillsdale’s playbook. Trump should avoid Biden’s. | Opinion