The Daily Advertiser released this article stating that Praxair recently announced that they will be building a New Hydrogen Plant in Louisiana where it will be integrated with the firm’s “already extensive Louisiana production network via its Mississippi River Corridor hydrogen pipeline system.”
The exact location has
not been decided yet but has plans to start up in 2021 and be among the largest
hydrogen producing plants in America. Praxair is a subsidiary of the Irish-based chemical
giant Linde plc.
Once the state-of-the-art design is complete, this project will increase
the U.S. Gulf Coast hydrogen capacity to more than 1.7 billion standard cubic
feet per day.
Praxair, Inc. is a
leading industrial gas company in North and South America and one of the
largest worldwide. Praxair produces, sells and distributes gases and
high-performance surface coatings. Their services are making our planet more
clean and productive by bringing environmental benefits to a wide variety of
industries.
Why do we need hydrogen
plants? What exactly will the plant be used to do?
Hydrogen production has
three basic industrial benefits that makes sense for companies to take
advantage of.
1. The
use of hydrogen greatly reduces pollution.
When hydrogen is combined
with oxygen in a fuel cell, energy in the form of electricity is produced and
the only by-products are water and heat. No other pollution or greenhouse gases
are produced. This electricity can be used for anything, including
powering vehicles or as a heat source.
2.
Hydrogen can be produced locally from various sources.
Companies don’t have to
outsource for hydrogen. Hydrogen gas can be produced locally from
methane, gas, coal or water.
3. If
hydrogen is produced from water we have a sustainable production system.
Using renewable energy
provides a sustainable system that is nonpolluting. Some of the renewable
sources used are wind, hydro, and solar energy. The by products of the process
are water and heat so the system can be set up as a co-generator, with the
waste energy used for heating.
In order to comply with
increasingly strict environmental regulations, the demand for clean fuels is
growing astronomically. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new rule to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power plants across the country. The
proposal is called the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule. It has
established guidelines for states to use when developing plans to limit GHGs at
their power plants.
“The ACE Rule would
restore the rule of law and empower states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and provide modern, reliable and affordable energy for all Americans,” said
Andrew Wheeler, EPA acting administrator.
“EPA has an important
role when it comes to addressing the CO2 from our nation’s power plants,” said
Bill Wehrum, assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. “The
ACE rule would fulfill this role in a manner consistent with the structure of
the Clean Air Act while being equally respectful of its bounds.”
According to the EPA,
the proposal will work to reduce GHG emissions through four main missions:
1. ACE
will define the “best system of emission reduction” for existing power plants
2. ACE
provides states with a list of “candidate technologies” to utilize
3. ACE
continues to research and provide updates to further encourage efficiency
improvements
4. ACE
will give states adequate time and flexibility to develop their plans.
Louisiana is a place that knows no
strangers so it’s no wonder that it’s home of the world’s best Bed and
Breakfasts. From quaint Cajun Cottages to exemplary 5 star inns,
Louisiana boasts some of the most historic and architecturally complex places
to bunk, a real treat for the traveler wishing to relive history, add the
highest quality of customer service as well as an eclectic array of food, and
you have yourself a relaxing vacay blending the perfect amount of relaxation
and excursion. Depending on what you have in mind as far as experience, food,
and geographical location, there is something for everyone. Destination 360 has compiled a list of the best and we have narrowed it
down to the top 4. Click here for the full list.
1. Melrose Mansion
The Melrose Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Louisiana has been voted one of the most romantic
Louisiana bed and breakfast Inns in the country. A Victorian treasure, you can
live in luxury and enjoy the history in one of the 21 rooms filled with period
antiques. You will be sure to experience the comforts of home, and then some,
with their southern hospitality. Enjoy breakfast in their quaint courtyard
alongside the swimming pool, perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. This
ideal location on the edge of the French Quarter provides convenient access to
everything New Orleans! By day, stroll a few blocks down the avenue in the
direction of the Mississippi River to check out the French Market, Café du Monde, and Jackson Square. Or pedicab your way through Royal Street’s endless unique shops
and fabulous New Orleans dining offerings.
The Stockade Bed and Breakfast has
hosted guests from all over the world. People come from all over to
experience all they have to offer. It is named after the Civil War stockade
that occupied the grounds and is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places. The large,
Hacienda-style house offers five main-house accommodation options: four
spacious guest rooms and one two-bedroom suite, each with a private bath and
original artwork adorning the walls. Included with your stay is a homemade
gourmet breakfast which people rave about. Nature lovers delight in walks along the backyard trail of The Stockade Bed and
Breakfast to explore the wilderness of native foliage and wildlife.
Nottoway Plantation & Resort is a
1850’s sugarcane estate, a AAA Four-Diamond property, and a member of Historic Hotels of America, and is the home of
the South’s largest existing antebellum mansion, now stunningly restored to its
original architectural design. It is an architectural masterpiece, with
the massive white columns and grand balconies standing guard over the
Mississippi River. On the other side the spectacular three-story Rotunda
overlooks majestic, towering oaks. Various daily tours quench the history
fanatic’s thirst for knowledge and the deluxe rooms, rich dining, and luxury
amenities go hand in hand with their gracious southern hospitality and service.
Even before you walk through the front
door of this bed and breakfast, your hosts make you feel right at home. Whether
you’re looking for a quiet weekend getaway or an action-packed visit to New
Orleans, your hosts make it their business to pamper you. Elegance is the
hallmark of this beautiful Italianate-style home. The dining room features an 11-foot oak table which
provides a casually elegant setting for breakfast. Eleven fireplaces grace the
home, including two in the double-parlor, which features Italian marble
mantelpieces. Most bathrooms feature vintage clawfoot tubs and showers.
The lush tropical garden of this B & B has been transformed since
Hurricane Katrina to include a new in-ground swimming pool and hot tub. The
area still provides a great setting for sipping your morning coffee, reading
your favorite novel, or sharing a late-night talk with your sweetie after a
long day in New Orleans.
Click here for more Louisiana news and information.
The 31st-largest state, you’ll find counties here in Louisiana. Instead, the state is the only place in the country to divide its areas into parishes. That’s not the only thing Louisiana does differently; the legal system is unlike in other states too. Louisiana is also home to the world’s longest water-spanning bridge and the USA’s tallest state capitol. The laid-back lifestyle and rich diversity of the state make Louisiana a great place to live. Below are some of the best places to live in Louisiana and you can click here to read about more.
1. New Orleans The largest city in Louisiana, New Orleans comes in at top place for its wide variety of amenities and opportunities. With a population of around 400k, there is a lot of diversity from all walks of life. Don’t be surprised if you hear people describe New Orleans as a “Northern Caribbean city” because the inherent culture has its earliest roots in French culture. The city was founded in 1718 by explorers Iberville and Bienville then modified by infusions of residents from the Caribbean Isles, all before the Americans took over in 1803. And it’s why many say New Orleans feels more like Europe than the USA. Known as “The Crescent City,” and, of course, “TheBig Easy,” New Orleans offers a lifestyle that is worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of most metropolitan areas. Situated amidst LakePontchartrain on the north, the Mississippi River on the south, and wetlands all around, the city is a bit of an island itself, a factor that has allowed local traditions to grow and develop during the past centuries so that NewOrleans has a quirky character all its own. The culture is reflected in the food, known around the world for its interesting spices and seafood base. From the haute cuisine of the fine French restaurants to earthy fried oyster Po’-boys at neighborhood restaurants, the cuisine reflects the diversity and eccentricities of this port city. There’s definitely no time to feel bored.
2. Inniswold Coming in at number two, Inniswold is part of East Baton Rouge Parish. With a population of around 5,000, the area is especially known for its lower-than-average crime rate. Residents generally enjoy a good quality of life and there are many local amenities. The city’s top-notch restaurants especially are raved about. Try Stabb’s while you are there and opt for Hawaiian fare and go grab a bite at The Cove. There is a great public school system there and parents rave about the low teacher/student ratio. Some Louisiana residents choose to commute to Inniswold for the higher paying wages. With relatively short commuting times more and more arechoosing to drive to Inniswold! Interstate 10 runs to the south of the parish and the Jefferson Highway is also easy to access. Housing prices are fairly high, at $210,600 on average. The median monthly rental costs for a two-bedroom property are $1,192. Living costs are higher than the state and national averages, but remember the old saying, “you get what you pay for”, and this is especially true living in Inniswold.
3. Brusly The town of Brusly is located within West Baton Rouge Parish. While you may need to travel a little way to reach your favorite restaurants and shops, Brusly offers plenty right there. Try out Louisiana BayouBistro or Athenos Cafe for a nice, tasty dinner. Grab your dog or your workout buddy and get some fresh air at one of the two local parks. Warm weather, high income levels, low unemployment figures, and low crime rates more than make up for a few extra minutes to reach certain leisure facilities and stores, though! Parents rave about the higher than average high school pass rate and Brusly turns out many college-bound students who often return and build up the community which is very tight-knit. The monthly rental price comes in under the national average at $765, although there are more privately owned homes in than rented properties.
4. Scott Lafayette Parish’s Scott has a fairly large population, of around 10,000. The median age is 31, helping to create a place to live that has high energy and a mature outlook. Quality of life is great here despite the median income being under $49,000. Grab a bite at Fezzo’s Seafood, Steak & Oyster House that will knock your socks off or opt for more local fare at Billy’s Boudin. There is plenty to do including tons of free events and entertainment like festivals with food and entertainment, including the world renowned Festival International, one of the largest free festivals of its kind that brings in acts from all over the world. The area has some of the lowest living costs when compared to other popular places to live in Louisianaas well as some of the highest employment rates, with just 4.7% of thecommunity out of work. Scott’s a healthy place to live too; the air qualityscore is a low 33 helping it to earn the Clean City contest.
5. Baton Rouge The state capital and second-largest city of Louisiana, the city is a major hubfor the medical, industrial, shipping, research, and petrochemical industries,and the technology industry is seeing rapid growth. Of course, there are manyother job opportunities as well. The economy is booming in Baton Rouge.Not only has the city been placed in the top ten destinations around the US tostart a new business, but it has also been named as one of the top ten placesoverall for young adults. Home of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge residents can take advantage of numeroussporting events and campus activities, many of which are free. BatonRouge has also been listed as one of North America’s top twenty cities when itcomes to economic strength. Entrepreneurs, investors, and young professionalsshould definitely keep their eyes on Baton Rouge. Try out Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant and bring your credit card to Perkins Rowe so you can shop til you drop.
6. Youngsville The small city of Youngsville can be found in Lafayette Parish not too far from
Scott. The population of over 10,000 enjoys a suburban vibe coupled with the
facilities and amenities of city life. It’s the best of both worlds. The
average age is 32, making it neither old nor young, despite the city’s youthful
name. Nightlife may be somewhat lacking when compared to other cities around
the state, but the opportunities for a happy family life attract a generally
more settled crowd. 85% of Youngsville’s residents are property owners
with higher than average household incomes and it’s considered a great place to
buy a property. Locals are warm, welcoming, and friendly, and people take pride
in keeping the city looking clean and tidy. Grab lunch at Zeus, a local chain serving Greek and Lebanese dishes.
7. Westminster Not as highly ranking as Inniswold but still a great place to live, Westminster
is another highly sought after area in East Baton Rouge Parish. In close
proximity of the state capitol, you can benefit from easy access to the city
and myriad opportunities while still maintaining a peaceful suburban home life.
Schools boast high graduation rates and with two universities close by,
many students become educated and remain in their communities which strengthens
the areas commerce and morale. Those seeking further education opportunities
have good options. The total number of crimes is significantly lower that the
rest of the state – a whopping 81% lower. Although the high living costs
may deter some people (15% higher than the state’s average figures), the median
household income is significantly higher (87%) than the state average making
Westminster a great choice for most. Try Albasha, a small local chain of Middle Eastern fare in a stylish
setting.
8. Mandeville Part of the greater New Orleans metropolitan area, Mandeville sits on the
shores of Lake Pontchartrain in the parish of St. Tammany. The population
is a little over 12,100. Low rates of crime, high graduation rates, pleasant
weather, and good household income levels combine to keep locals smiling. You
won’t have to look far to find a decent selection of restaurants and shops, and
you can work off all the delicious local food in one of the fitness centers.
Try Nuvolari’s or Pat Gallagher’s for a delicious, upscale meal. Plus, the vibrant city of
New Orleans is within close proximity.
9. Belle Chasse Sitting on the edges of the Mississippi River, Belle Chasse is the biggest town
in Plaquemines Parish. With some of the state’s highest property prices
for both ownership and renting, it’s not a place for a typical first home. The
prices do, however, reflect how sought-after the area is, making it a terrific
choice for people looking to make an upgrade to existing living arrangements.
Median rents are $1,130 per month in Belle Chasse, while the average home
costs in the region of $227,200. The affluence of the area can be seen in the
median annual income for a household: $66,730. When it comes to cutting loose
and having some fun, Belles Chasse has great fishing spots, a shooting range,
various sports facilities, a dirt-bike track, and restaurants that dish up some
of the best Cajun food you’ll ever taste. And let’s not forget the great
lineup of annual celebrations too. Belle Chasse hosts Crawfish Fest, Orange Fest, Gamers Fest, and more. Make rezzies at Zydeco’s Cajun
Restaurant for dinner.
You won’t regret it!
10. Metairie Sandwiched between New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain, Metairie’s farming
heritage set the stage for the gorgeous local parks that sit there now.
The greenery is a nice aesthetic and helps to break up the cement and
tall buildings. Metairie has a sporty vibe; it’s home to the New Orleans Baby
Cakes baseball team and the NFL team the New Orleans Saints train in there.
There are many sports facilities to encourage a fit and healthy community. The
area also has more ethnic and racial diversity than many other parts of the
state and the crime rate is lower than the state average by an impressive 47%.
Home prices are fairly high, at $210,900.
For more on Louisiana’s top places to live, click here. For more articles similar to this one, click here.
Nola.com recently released an article announcing, “A new smartphone app offers a digital version of the Louisiana driver’s license, allowing motorists and others an option aside from carrying a physical license”.
This is great news for those of you who happen to be in a position where you misplace your wallet, and/or ID, and possibly get pulled over, or need it for any other reason. The article states, “The digital license will be accepted by state police, but official acceptance at restaurants, bars and by the Transportation Security Administration is pending approval, according to the online portal for LA Wallet. The portal did not indicate whether local police agencies, such as the NOPD, would accept the digital licenses.”
