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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced $9.3 million from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at 58 locations across New Orleans. This funding was made possible by the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant program, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Congressman Carter proudly helped craft and voted for. This transformative investment will add approximately 118 publicly available EV chargers across the city, with 66% of these installations located in federally designated disadvantaged communities.
“I am thrilled to announce this groundbreaking investment to expand electric vehicle infrastructure across New Orleans,” said Rep. Carter. “These new EV chargers, strategically placed in every district and focused on underserved communities, represent a bold step forward in ensuring equitable access to clean transportation. By leveraging partnerships with institutions like Dillard University and Xavier University, we are fostering innovation while empowering our communities. This funding highlights the importance of sustainability, resilience, and economic opportunity for all New Orleans residents. Together, we are driving progress toward a cleaner, greener future!”
The new EV chargers, including Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers, will be installed at public locations selected based on a community survey conducted in 2021 across all five City Council districts, ensuring citywide coverage and accessibility. Additionally, Dillard University and Xavier University will host chargers on their campuses, representing critical partnerships to support local communities and advance shared sustainability goals. By hosting EV chargers, these universities are helping to expand access for students, staff, and surrounding communities while reinforcing New Orleans’ leadership in sustainable innovation.
This project will build upon the work of the Electric Vehicle Charger Program, which Entergy New Orleans runs in partnership with the City of New Orleans. The program has installed 30 charging stations at 25 locations across the city, primarily at public facilities such as libraries and parks.
Petroleum gas and diesel combustion in cars, trucks, and buses on New Orleans roads accounts for nearly 43% of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
“This $9.3 million federal award represents a transformative investment in our communities, especially those that have been historically underserved,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “By prioritizing equity and access, we are ensuring that clean, sustainable transportation is available to all New Orleanians—not just a select few.”
“The development of the Electric Transportation Roadmap will provide a blueprint for building a cleaner, more equitable transportation system for all New Orleanians,” said Greg Nichols, Deputy Chief Resilience Officer and Director of the Office of Resilience & Sustainability. “This award is a tangible example of how federal funding is helping us achieve our climate action goals while also breaking down barriers to equitable access to electric vehicles.”
“We are proud to host EV chargers on our campus as part of our community’s larger goal of sustainability,” said Reynold Verret, President, Xavier University of Louisiana. “Xavier’s commitment to creating a more just and humane society encompasses such innovation and thoughtfulness.”
“We are grateful that the City of New Orleans partnered with Dillard University on this innovative grant,” said Dillard University President Dr. Monique Guillory. “This funding will provide green fueling opportunities to our Gentilly Community and highlight clean energy at Dillard University. Dillard is cultivating leaders committed to sustainability and resiliency to propel New Orleans into a brighter future for us all.”
To learn more about the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant program visit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) website here.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced $20,000,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Stay Ready NOLA Inc. through the Community Change Grants Program. These grants aim to advance local, on-the-ground projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. This award was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Congressman Carter proudly helped craft and voted for.
“This is a monumental step forward for New Orleans and the fight for environmental and climate justice nationwide,” said Rep. Carter. “This funding is a testament to the power of the Inflation Reduction Act and the commitment to uplifting communities like the Upper Ninth Ward, which have borne the brunt of environmental and economic inequality for far too long. With projects like a community resilience hub powered with solar farms and utilizing innovative stormwater infrastructure, we are not only reducing pollution and building climate resilience but also empowering our community with the tools and skills to thrive in a clean energy economy. This project ensures our people are safer, stronger, and ready for the challenges ahead. I am proud to have helped deliver this historic funding, and I look forward to seeing its lasting positive impact on our city and its future.”
The Community Change Grants Program was funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action in American history. Stay Ready NOLA Inc. will partner with Metro Bicycle Coalition of New Orleans, Inc. to receive $20 million to develop a resilience hub in the Upper Ninth Ward neighborhood of New Orleans to support citizens and emergency responders during a storm or other emergency. The resilience hub will be connected via the grid to two solar farms producing 3MW of clean solar energy, enough to power approximately 1,000 homes annually. Construction of the solar farms and resilience hub will include permeable surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff and enhance groundwater recharge. The project will offer workforce development programs to equip residents with job skills in solar energy, e-bike repair and maintenance, and more.
“On day one of his Administration, President Biden promised to target investments to communities that for too long have been shut out of federal funding,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is delivering on that promise. These selections will create jobs, improve public health, and uplift community efforts in all corners of this country, regardless of geography or background.”
To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance visit EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program webpage.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Democratic Caucus announced that Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) was named to the Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 119thCongress. Representative Carter was also selected to serve on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee and by Democratic Leadership to be a Deputy Whip on the House Floor. Additionally, he was elected as the Congressional Black Caucus’ First Vice-Chair.
“I look forward to working with my Democrat and Republican colleagues in the 119th Congress,” said Rep. Carter. “I am incredibly grateful to serve on Energy and Commerce, the oldest and most influential committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. It has sweeping jurisdiction over energy, technology, health care, and international trade which will give Louisiana a competitive edge.
“I am also excited to share that through my role on the Steering and Policy Committee, I have helped secure a Financial Services assignment for my fellow Louisiana Democrat Representative Cleo Fields, another exclusive committee. I will continue to be the voice of all Louisianians, ensuring our community receives the resources they need not just to survive, but to thrive.”
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest continuous standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. It was originally established in 1795 to regulate interstate and foreign commerce. Today, the Committee has the broadest jurisdiction of any authorizing committee in Congress. The Committee also oversees several federal departments and agencies.
The Steering and Policy Committee is responsible for appointing members of the House Democratic Caucus to committee seats and shaping policy priorities. The Steering and Policy Committee is considered an extension of House Democratic Leadership and considers candidates for committee leadership and votes to provide recommendations to the full caucus.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) with travel with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on Airforce One to New Orleans, Louisiana to visit the survivors and families of those who died in the horrific terrorist attack that occurred on New Years Day.
“I’m honored to be traveling with President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden to New Orleans today following the horrific act of violence on Bourbon Street. I look forward to spending time with them as we visit the families of the victims and mourn the great loss we experienced as a community and as a nation,” said Rep. Carter.
On Friday, Congressman Carter led the entire Louisiana delegation in sending two letters requesting disaster recovery assistance from the federal government for the State of Louisiana. The Members asked for expedited approval from President Biden of Governor Jeff Landry’s emergency disaster declaration. They also requested a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Declaration for Orleans Parish. This will make essential assistance available in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses affected by the attack.
The request for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans has been approved. Affected small business owners can find more information on how to apply at https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=LA-20008.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after standing next to President Biden at the White House as he signed H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act. Congressman Carter is an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation and has been advocating for these provisions to be repealed since before he was elected to Congress.
“Today marks a historic victory for our teachers, firefighters, police officers, and countless other public servants in Louisiana and around the country,” said Rep. Carter. “The Social Security Fairness Act will ensure that these hardworking individuals will no longer face unfair penalties to their earned benefits. Repealing WEP and GPO is about justice and keeping our promises. I’ve been fighting for this change since before I came to Congress, and I’ve worked tirelessly to see this bill make it to President Biden’s desk today. Public servants dedicate their lives to our communities, and it’s only right that they receive the full benefits they deserve.”
The Social Security Fairness Act passed in the House of Representatives in November with a vote of 327 – 75 and in December in the Senate with a vote of 76 – 20.
Background
In December 2023, Congressman Carter was the Ranking Member for a Ways and Means Committee field hearing in Baton Rouge, LA focused on the effects of the Windfall Elimination Penalty (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) on everyday Americans, where he heard from Louisianians struggling to make ends meet due to these harmful provisions.
The WEP and GPO prevent federal retirees like police, teachers, firefighters, state workers and their spouses who earned pensions from those careers from collecting their full Social Security benefits earned while working outside of government, affecting over two million Americans, including thousands in Louisiana.
WEP dates to 1983 and reduces Social Security benefits for workers who paid into both a civil service pension from their time in government employment and Social Security, in a Social Security covered job outside of government.
GPO dates to 1977 and reduces by two-thirds the retirement or disability pension from a federal, state, or local government for spouses and widows or widowers if the spouse or widow did not pay in themselves.
The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and has bipartisan, bicameral support.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) was sworn into the 119th Congress to begin his next term serving Louisiana’s Second Congressional District. He was joined by his wife, Major General Ana Carter, at the ceremony.
“I am honored that the good people of Louisiana’s Second Congressional District have entrusted me with the responsibility of continuing to represent them in Congress,” said Rep. Carter. “I will work with anyone to lower the cost of living and create better-paying American jobs. And I’ll take on anyone who stands in the way. Today, I reaffirm my commitment to fight for Louisianians and put people over politics, always.”
Biography
Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. is a dedicated and elected United States House of Representatives member from Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District, always striving to serve his constituents.
Congressman Troy A. Carter earned a bachelor's degree from Xavier University and a master's degree from Holy Cross University. He has also studied at Harvard's JFK School of Government and Carnegie Mellon's School of Urban and Public Affairs. In May 2023, Congressman Carter was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from Xavier University. In May 2024, Congressman Carter was awarded a Doctorate of Human Letters, honoris causa, from Southern University at New Orleans.
Congressman Carter began his professional career as a senior aide to Mayor Sidney Barthelemy. In 1991, Congressman Carter became the first African American to be elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 102nd District in Algiers, where he served as the youngest-ever floor leader representing the City of New Orleans.
In 1994, Congressman Carter was elected to the New Orleans City Council, representing District C, including Historic communities of Algiers, French Quarter, and Treme, again becoming the first African American elected. After a hiatus from public office, Congressman Carter was elected to the State Senate for Louisiana's 7th District, where he served as Senate Minority Leader, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Congressman Carter is a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, women and men’s health care, civil rights, education, environmental justice reform, mental health, and equality for all, making a significant impact in these areas.
Congressman Carter is a proud husband to wife, Major General Ana Carter of the United States Army, and father to sons Troy Jr., a first-year law student at Tulane Law School, and Joshua, a Pre-Med/Engineering Senior at Howard University. They live on the Westbank of New Orleans, where Congressman Carter was born and reared.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), and Rep. Julia Letlow, Ph.D. (R-LA) sent two letters requesting disaster recovery assistance following the Bourbon Street terrorist attack in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Members request expedited approval from President Biden of Governor Jeff Landry’s emergency disaster declaration for the State of Louisiana. They also request a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Declaration for Orleans Parish. This will make essential assistance available in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses affected by the attack.
“The French Quarter has long been a cornerstone of cultural identity and economic activity for New Orleans, dating back three centuries. Today, the neighborhood attracts millions of visitors annually and supports countless small businesses and their employees,” the Members wrote. “This violent attack not only caused physical devastation, including the deaths of at least fifteen individuals and dozens of additional injuries, but also disrupted commerce, tourism, and the livelihoods of residents.”
Background
This terrorist attack caused significant harm to our visitors and residents, disrupted essential services, and overwhelmed local and state resources. The attack occurred while the city was hosting and preparing for several large-scale events, including the Sugar Bowl and related events during the week of New Year’s Day, as well as Super Bowl LIX and the annual Carnival season in the coming weeks. These events attract tourists from around the nation and the world. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated Super Bowl LIX as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1, a significant event that requires extensive federal interagency support and state and local resources.
Currently, the attack has resulted in the deaths of at least fifteen (15) individuals, numerous additional injuries, and substantial damage to public and private property. Key infrastructure, including major transportation routes and emergency services in the downtown area of New Orleans, have been severely impacted.
The State of Louisiana and its partners have fully responded to this crisis. However, the magnitude and complexity of the situation exceed their capacity to manage without federal assistance. As local and federal law enforcement work to find additional details on the attack, including tracking additional potential Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and potentially other security threats, additional immediate federal support is critical to protect lives, restore essential services, and mitigate the potential for further harm.
Read the letter to President Biden here.
Read the letter to the Small Business Administration here.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to the attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans last night:
“I have spoken personally with Secretary Mayorkas and the White House regarding last night’s unspeakable act of violence and will continue to receive updates. My heart is with the victims, their families, and everyone who witnessed this horrific attack during what should have been a joyful New Year’s celebration.
“I commend the swift actions of the New Orleans Police Department and federal law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to neutralize the threat and secure the area. Their bravery and dedication prevented further loss of life. As we continue to learn more about this tragedy, including the motive behind such senseless violence, I am committed to working with local and federal authorities to ensure justice for the victims and to strengthen measures that safeguard our communities against acts of terror.
“New Orleans has faced adversity before, and we will rise again, stronger and more united.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after the Social Security Fairness Act passed in the Senate. Congressman Carter is an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation and has been advocating for these provisions to be repealed since before he was elected to Congress.
“WEP and GPO are harmful provisions that slash public servant’s Social Security benefits. I’ve fought for this position from the beginning and am hopeful that it will be signed by President Biden before the end of the year,” said Rep. Carter. “Our teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other federal employees should NOT be penalized when it comes to collecting their pension. We must change this antiquated law and give people the benefits they’ve earned! Promises made, promises kept!”
The Social Security Fairness Act passed the House in November with a vote of 327 – 75.
Background
Last December, Congressman Carter was the Ranking Member for a Ways and Means Committee field hearing in Baton Rouge, LA focused on the effects of the Windfall Elimination Penalty (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) on everyday Americans, where he heard from Louisianians struggling to make ends meet due to these harmful provisions.
The WEP and GPO prevent federal retirees like police, teachers, firefighters, state workers and their spouses who earned pensions from those careers from collecting their full Social Security benefits earned while working outside of government, affecting over two million Americans, including thousands in Louisiana.
WEP dates to 1983 and reduces Social Security benefits for workers who paid into both a civil service pension from their time in government employment and Social Security, in a Social Security covered job outside of government.
GPO dates to 1977 and reduces by two-thirds the retirement or disability pension from a federal, state, or local government for spouses and widows or widowers if the spouse or widow did not pay in themselves.
The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and has bipartisan, bicameral support.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to the continuing resolution passed in the U.S. House of Representatives to extend the appropriations funding deadline and avert a government shutdown:
“Once again, Democrats were the adults in the room, saving the American people from a devastating government shutdown. While this wasn’t the deal I wanted, I’m happy that we secured $100 billion in disaster recovery funding, $10 billion for our farmers, and protected the National Flood Insurance Program for 400,000 policy holders in Louisiana. Keeping the government open is always a victory for the American people.
“By holding firm in our opposition yesterday, House Democrats prevented the worst parts of a bad deal. We stopped a $4.3 trillion debt ceiling increase, pushed back on Trump’s attempt to give an early Christmas gift to his billionaire donors in the form of huge tax breaks, and stopped shadow-President Elon Musk, who isn’t even elected, from playing puppet master with our democracy.
“Kicking the can down the road instead of passing a real budget is not a responsible way to govern. I hope my colleagues are finally ready to move our country forward in the new year with a FULLY funded appropriations package, one that provides for the needs of ALL Americans.”
Background
This government funding extension provides:
- $29 billion for FEMA Disaster Relief Fund which will keep FEMA running through next hurricane season.
- $12 billion for CDBG-DR funding for FY23 and FY24 declared disasters, Louisiana residents are eligible for funding from Hurricane Francine.
- $21 billion in disaster relief payments for farmers for losses caused by disasters and extreme weather events in calendar years 2023 and 2024, including droughts, floods, winter storms, freeze, excessive heat, among others.
- $10 billion for economic assistance to farmers for the 2024 crop year.
- $2.2 billion for SBA Disaster Loan Program
- $1.5 billion for USACE
- $50 million for Mississippi River & Tributaries project construction, rehabilitate, and repair. A portion of this could be eligible for use by the Morganza to the Gulf project.
- $100 million for USACE general flood control construction
- $1 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including
- $399 million to acquire hurricane hunter aircraft
- $344 million to replace or repair damaged property and equipment, and
- $300 million for fisheries disaster relief
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to the continuing resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“Once again, House Republicans waited until the last minute to extend the deadline for government funding, leaving Louisianians out in the cold. We had a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on the table. This last-minute bait and switch is nothing more than a cover to run-up America’s debt, allow Trump give tax breaks to his billionaire donors, and make it easier to ship American jobs to China. It also removes critical funding for child cancer research programs, a bipartisan proposal.
“Instead of doing the right thing, Republican leadership folded to the demands of extremists in their party. They are responsible for the consequences we all have to live with.”
Background
A government shutdown would cost Louisiana:
- $575 million in supplemental disaster funding
- $258 million in Agriculture Disaster Relief
- $254 million in Agriculture Disaster Payments, $4 million in Economic Assistance
- $12.79 million in Small Business Loans
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to Donald Trump ordering House Republicans to shut down the government:
“As elected officials, our jobs are to serve the PEOPLE. We reached a bipartisan funding agreement. It’s time for House Republicans to do the right thing, stick to it, and act on behalf of everyday Americans.
“By threatening to shut down the government, MAGA Republicans are betraying Louisiana farmers, veterans, disaster survivors, and seniors who rely on essential government programs to survive. House Republicans now have a choice – side with extremists or with working families.”
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