Hope For New Orleans

New Orleans could have been the city to showcase its eforts in being more environmentally friendly if not for the actions of Stan "Pampy" Barre. Take for example, the case of Parkland, Florida.

In Parkland, where the motto is "Environmentally Proud," the city plans next year to begin dispensing cash rebates to its 25,000 residents for being more environmentally friendly.

Residents who install low-flow toilets or shower heads will get $150. Replacing an old air conditioner with a more energy-efficient one brings $100. Buying a hybrid car? An additional $200 cash back. And the list goes on.

Based on an estimate of 1,000 residents participating in the rebate program during the first year, the city predicts it will cost up to $100,000.

Many states already offer similar rebates and incentives through tax breaks, loans and perks such as allowing hybrid-car drivers to use car pool lanes.

Once U.S. Attorney, Jim Letten, put all of the corrupt culprits away, maybe New Orleans can be the next city to roll out its' environmentally friendly plans.