16 years ago, New Orleans faced a category 5 hurricane, Katrina, which devastated neighborhoods, toppled businesses, and killed 1,833 people. On August 29th, New Orleans was hammered by Hurricane Ida, a category 4 hurricane. The devastation left behind showed America how much storm protection has increased and improved since Katrina, but has brought up concerns about America’s energy infrastructure security
After Katrina, New Orleans saw terrible flooding that caused over $170 billion dollars worth of damage. After Katrina, the United States Army Corps of Engineers stepped in to build the city a new levee system to help combat flooding from storm surges. Ida was the first major test of this levee system, and it passed with flying colors. The flooding was significantly less than hurricane Katrina. However, just 60 miles away is a different story. It looked like a mini Katrina in most neighborhoods. Some people are calling on the Government to continue to implement similar storm surge protection, saying that public officials are only focusing on populated areas. Officials have stated that they want to get as much protection, however, they can’t help everyone. The first $12.5 million for levee funding was secured in January of 2021 because politicians couldn’t agree on the cost of levees and how many people funding would actually help. Levees are expensive only don’t extend great distances. A 2019 update to the New Orleans levee system cost around $14 billion, and there are still areas on the coast of Louisiana that still don’t have enough storm protection. After Ida, people have seen the strength of the Army Corps levees and how effective they work, Louisiana could see more funding in the near future
Gas and oil prices could be going up as a result of Hurricane Ida. The damage done to the Gulf’s crude oil extraction and refining could mean an increase in gas prices. Analysts suggest that gas prices will rise by 5¢ to 10¢. If flooding and flood damage continues, refineries might not be able to run operations for weeks, which could raise gas prices up 15¢ to 25¢. With the damage to oil platforms and refineries, concerns over energy security have risen. In New Orleans, high voltage power lines from power plants are knocked down preventing power from going into many other areas outside the city. While tragic, many companies did more to prepare for Hurricane Ida compared to the previous years. While waiting to see the full impact of these new preparations, early results show that electrical improvements are being made in areas prone to tropical storms.
Even though tragedies happen, people learn through tragedy. Hurricane Ida taught America where we struggle, particularly in electrical security. However, Ida also showed us that America’s storm surge protection has improved greatly since Katrina. While advancements can always be made, America’s storm protection is improving. Tragic storms like these also unite communities and neighbors, to help those who have been impacted. Ida has shown us the next step to advance storm security, so let’s move forward.
Sources –
Forbes: Hurricane Ida Puts America’s Energy Security To The Test
New York Times: ‘This is code red.’ Biden visits areas of New York and New Jersey hit hard by Ida.
Scientific American: After a $14-Billion Upgrade, New Orleans’ Levees Are Sinking
US Government Accountability Office: Natural Disasters: Economic Effects of Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, and Irma
Wall Street Journal: Oil Industry Surveys Damage After Hurricane Ida Slams Louisiana