Environmental Initiatives Fund – Entergy We power life. Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:01:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cropped-FavIcon-32x32.png Environmental Initiatives Fund – Entergy 32 32 Entergy New Orleans partners with Audubon Institute to reduce carbon emissions /news/entergy-new-orleans-partners-with-audubon-institute-to-reduce-carbon-emissions Fri, 11 Apr 2025 03:51:00 +0000 /blog-post/entergy-new-orleans-partners-with-audubon-institute-to-reduce-carbon-emissions/ NEW ORLEANS – At Entergy New Orleans, we are committed to addressing critical environmental challenges while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve. One of the ways we address environmentally sensitive issues is through the Environmental Initiatives Fund, a program designed to reduce emissions, protect natural resources, and pioneer innovative solutions that promote sustainability.

In 2024, we provided a grant that supported an electrification project at Woldenberg Park, which hosts French Quarter Festival and other local events. The project focused on reducing the reliance on diesel generators to power short-term events. While widely used as a power source, generators have a significant environmental impact. They create noise pollution and emit harmful pollutants that degrade air quality and contribute to climate change.

Powering Innovation

Through our Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF), we are supporting transformative projects that make a real difference. Since 2001, Entergy shareholders have invested nearly $43 million in initiatives that improve the environment, educate communities, and enhance natural resources. Since 2023, we have awarded approximately $1 million in shareholder-funded grants to 20 local community partners.

For over two decades, the EIF has allowed Entergy New Orleans to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship. This fund represents a key part of our long-term commitment to identifying and supporting essential projects that protect and enhance the environment.

“Our investment in the Environmental Initiatives Fund reflects our commitment to driving innovative solutions in sustainability,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO at Entergy New Orleans. “By supporting projects like the electrification initiative at Woldenberg Park, we’re reducing emissions, improving air quality, and setting a new standard for sustainable infrastructure.”

We are particularly proud of our partnership with the Audubon Institute to electrify Woldenberg Park. By helping reduce the use of diesel generators to power festival stages and events, we are directly reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality. The project also creates a quieter, more enjoyable experience for visitors.

“The completion of this project provides us with infrastructure that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the reliance on diesel generators for festivals and other activities in Woldenberg Riverfront Park,” said Rich Toth, senior vice president and managing director at the Audubon Nature Institute. “Having the ability to use electric instead of generators is a cost savings as well as better for the environment.”

hereto learn more about the Environmental Initiatives Fund and how it is powering change.

Committed to a Sustainable Future

Entergy has long been committed to environmental responsibility. In 2001, it became the first U.S. electric utility to voluntarily cap greenhouse gas emissions. More recently, the company committed to reducing its carbon emissions rate by 50% below 2000 levels by 2030.

Through investments in carbon-free nuclear power, highly efficient natural gas generation, and renewable energy, Entergy enables customers to leverage its emissions portfolio to create both societal and environmental benefits.

Entergy New Orleans remains focused on advancing innovative, sustainable solutions to today’s environmental challenges and looks forward to continuing our work in building a cleaner, more sustainable future.

About Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans provides electricity to more than 209,000 customers and natural gas to more than 110,000 customers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of ϳԹ. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more atand connect with@EntergyNOLAon social media.

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17 local environmental partners receive Entergy grants to protect natural resources /news/17-local-environmental-partners-receive-entergy-grants-to-protect-natural-resources Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:29:00 +0000 /blog-post/17-local-environmental-partners-receive-entergy-grants-to-protect-natural-resources/ NEW ORLEANS – Entergy is helping 17 local environmental organizations protect our natural resources by contributing a total of $1 million in shareholder-funded grants through the company’s Environmental Initiatives Fund.

“We know that protecting natural resources is foundational to helping our communities thrive,” said John Weiss, Entergy’s vice president of sustainability and environmental policy. “For 24 consecutive years, our shareholders have supported the work of community partners who are stewarding our local ecosystems to ensure a brighter future for both the customers we serve and the natural world.”

Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund identifies projects or programs that improve the environment by reducing emissions, protecting natural resources, and restoring wetlands and forests. The fund also supports projects designed to educate Entergy’s customers, employees, communities and owners on the value of natural resources and other environmental improvements.

Recipients of the 2024 Environmental Initiatives Fund grants include:

  • to purchase hazardous materials mitigation supplies forin Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine, Arkansas ($160,000).
  • to build new enclosures to house education ambassador raptors and add flight cages for conditioning rehabilitated birds for release back to the wild. MWR plans to open theas a free destination for the public in Coldwater, Mississippi ($72,000).
  • to steward the longleaf pine ecosystem in the 5,673-acre Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary with a focus on wildfire risk prevention, invasive species control, and restoration of native ecosystem function in Kountze, Texas ($50,000).
  • to restore habitats for migratory birds in Belle Chasse, Louisiana ($37,000).
  • to support programming to educate residents about building climate resilience and biodiversity in the Melia and Pines Village neighborhoods of New Orleans, Louisiana ($25,000).

View the complete list of the 2024 grant recipientshere.

Since 2001, Entergy shareholders have invested nearly $44 million in environmentally beneficial projects and programs through the Environmental Initiatives Fund. The fund also contributes to Entergy’s leadership role as an advocate for and contributor to solutions to our most critical environmental challenges.

Learn more about Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fundon our website.

2025 request for proposals now open

If you or someone you know has a project idea that promotes conservation, energy efficiency or delivers other environmental benefits, encourage them to review the Environmental Initiatives Fund’s 25thon our website. Applications are due June 6 no later than midnight Central Time.

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability, resilience and growth of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more atentergy.comand connect with@Entergyon social media.

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For nature, for all: Entergy grants $70K to Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc. /blog/for-nature-for-all-entergy-grants-70k-to-mississippi-wildlife-rehabilitation-inc Wed, 22 Jan 2025 22:17:23 +0000 /?p=13501 Funds will help open free wildlife conservation center

Coldwater, Mississippi is home to one the state’s most earnest efforts to preserve wildlife and protect natural habitats – Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc. and Entergy’s Environmental Initiative Fund will soon help the organization expand its facilities through a nearly $73,000 grant.

MWR plans to open the Valery E. Smith Nature Center – a free community resource which will be located at the organization’s existing wildlife hospital.

The center, named for MWR’s founder, will provide hands-on opportunities for visitors to learn about wildlife preservation and the organization’s effort to care for orphaned and injured native species.

“Entergy is excited to support Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s new effort to educate and connect visitors with conservation resources and native wildlife. For more than two decades, we have used our Environmental Initiatives Fund to invest in similar projects that promote environmental stewardship, and make lasting impacts on the communities we serve,” said Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.

Key features at the center will include:

  • Raptor Garden: Observe ambassador raptors up close in their newly designed enclosures.
  • Native Plant Garden: Take a peaceful stroll through the garden, featuring a variety of Mississippi’s native plants which attract and support local birds and pollinators.
  • Box Turtle Habitat: Witness the natural behaviors of box turtles in a dedicated habitat that mimics their natural environment.
  • Interpretive Center: Enjoy live animal exhibits and interactive educational displays that offer insight into MWR’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife.
  • Valery E. Smith Memorial: Learn about the history and founder of MWR.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of resources and demonstrates our readiness to operate and manage a larger, more ambitious facility in the future. By taking this step, we continue to build momentum toward our ultimate vision of expanding our capacity to save and protect wildlife,” said Mykl Wallrath, executive director of Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation.

The Valery E. Smith Nature Center is planned to open in 2025.

Since 2001, the Environmental Initiatives Fund has supported projects and programs that reduce emissions, protect natural resources, and restore wetlands and forests across Entergy’s four-state service area. The fund educates customers, employees, communities and owners on the value of natural resources and other environmental improvements.

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Entergy supports environmental stewardship program serving West Jackson /blog/entergy-supports-environmental-stewardship-program-serving-west-jackson Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:08:00 +0000 /entergy-supports-environmental-stewardship-program-serving-west-jackson Entergy’s Environmental Initiative Fund is supporting the launch of a Jackson, Mississippi program that addresses two issues at the core of our business – environmental stewardship and workforce development.

The company has awarded $150,000 to Refill Jackson Initiative for their Refill Jackson Green Corps program, a new workforce training AmeriCorps program for young adults.

Over 5 months, participants will complete various projects to improve water quality and environmental conditions along the Pearl River’s watershed; remove debris and mitigate flood-prone areas in public parks and vacant properties; and clean up neighborhoods in West Jackson.

“We invest in the critical foundations of our communities like Refill Jackson Green Corps, to create thriving places to call home, now and for future generations,” Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.

The Refill Jackson Green Corps also gives young adults the opportunity to earn construction credentials, a stipend, and water quality testing certification from Mississippi State University’s Extension Services.

“Refill Jackson Initiative seeks to be a good neighbor to our West Jackson community by pursuing projects that directly address the environmental concerns of West Jacksonians. Refill Jackson Green Corps will impart skills sought by employers while getting things done for and with Jacksonians,” said Caitlin Brooking, executive director of Refill Jackson Initiative.

Since 2001, the Environmental Initiatives Fund has supported projects and programs that reduce emissions, protect natural resources, and restore wetlands and forests across Entergy’s four-state service area.

The fund educates our customers, employees, communities and owners on the value of natural resources and other environmental improvements.

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Brandon becomes home to Entergy’s second utility-owned EV fast chargers /news/brandon-becomes-home-entergy-s-second-utility-owned-ev-fast-chargers Wed, 03 Jul 2024 03:08:00 +0000 /blog-post/brandon-becomes-home-entergy-s-second-utility-owned-ev-fast-chargers/ BRANDON, Miss. – Ahead of the one of the busiest travel days of the year, the Fourth of July, Entergy Mississippi is officially unveiling the next location of its direct current electric vehicle fast chargers. It is the second company-owned electric vehicle charging station of its kind in ϳԹ’s four-state service area.

Located in downtown Brandon near I-20, the company’s $350,000 fast charging station will serve both residents and EV drivers passing through on I-20 and nearby I-55. This location, along with the company’s first set of fast chargers located in the Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland, will allow Entergy Mississippi to expand research on the impact of EVs to the power grid. Insights on frequency, time of day and location can help the company prepare for improvements that may be needed as power use from electric vehicle drivers increases in the future.

“We have to be prepared with the right infrastructure to serve our customers when the time comes,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO, Entergy Mississippi. “Electric vehicle usage in Mississippi is at a stage right now that allows us to collect data and begin developing a plan for the future.”

The facility is equipped with two direct current fast chargers that provide up to 180 kilowatts of power and are compatible with many electric vehicle models. Customers using the charging station pay $.30/kWh and, on average, an EV can be fully charged for $20-$30 within 30-45 minutes.

More accessible and affordable than ever, electric vehicle ownership is gaining ground. An estimated 26 million EVs are expected to be on America’s roads by 2030.

“The lessons we learn through this pilot will help us better advise municipalities and developers throughout our service area as they plan for future electric vehicle charging stations in their area,” said Fisackerly.

City of Brandon Mayor Butch Lee said, “We’re thrilled that Entergy chose our downtown to be a part of this program. With our proximity to I-20, we hope travelers will find benefits in having a conveniently placed charging station and use the opportunity to enjoy our local businesses as well. We’ll also learn how we can prepare to meet the demands of electric vehicles in our community.”

Entergy Mississippi has supported other electric vehicle initiatives in addition to the direct current fast charging station project. Earlier this year, through , the company assisted Adopt a Charger’s Charge Up! Initiative, which installed six chargers at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi. Adopt a Charger plans to install more charging stations in and around the Jackson Metro area. In 2011, the EIF also funded electric vehicle charging station installations at Jackson State University, University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi State University.

In 2021, Entergy became a founding member of the National Electrification Highway Coalition. Partner utilities in the organization are working to address gaps along major transportation corridors in their respective service areas. Coalition members currently consist of more than 60 investor-owned and municipal electric companies and electric cooperatives collectively serving more than 120 million U.S. electric customers across 48 states and the District of Columbia.

About Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi, LLC provides electricity to approximately 459,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of ϳԹ, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than , Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Mississippi, visit the and connect with @EntergyMS on social media.

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Electric vehicle charging now available at Hinds Community College /blog/electric-vehicle-charging-now-available-at-hinds-community-college Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:47:00 +0000 /electric-vehicle-charging-now-available-at-hinds-community-college First community college campus in Mississippi with EV charging stations

JACKSON, Miss. – Hinds Community College is leading the state as the first community college campus with an electric vehicle charging station. Six chargers were installed on the Raymond campus in February, as the first site of Charge Up! Mississippi initiative. The program is supported by a $160,000 grant from Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund.

Adopt a Charger plans to install approximately 24 EV charging stations in and around the Jackson Metro area to enable zero-emission travel and educate the public about the benefits of driving electric. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum will be the sites of the next charging stations.

“Partnering with sustainable initiatives like Charge Up! Mississippi helps further Entergy’s commitment to strengthen our communities for the future,” said Kelli Dowell, director of environmental policy. “We’re proud to support projects through our Environmental Initiatives Fund that will reduce environmental risk, across our service area.”

On the Hinds Community College campus, EV charging stations are available for public usage at the Eagle Ridge Conference Center & Resort and the Student Union Building.

“Hinds Community College is proud to be the first community college in Mississippi to have EV chargers located on campus,” said Brock Haas, director of Eagle Ridge Conference Center & Resort/Business Faculty at Hinds Community College. “We understand the growing demand for EV charging options. These new stations ensure our students, faculty, and visitors have the practical resources they need to choose more sustainable transportation methods. This new technology will help aid in accomplishing our mission to move people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion, and profession.”

According to experts at Adopt a Charger, installing the chargers in commuter communities and at popular destination locations will enable more interaction between curious consumers and actual owners.

“When people spot an EV driving down the road, they don’t automatically notice that the vehicle runs on electricity. The ‘aha’ moment happens when they see the car plugged in at places they like to go and get to ask questions of the driver about the owner’s experience,” said Kitty Adams, executive director of Adopt a Charger. “I love partnering with colleges and universities because the demographic is quick to embrace new technology, and typically strives to have a positive impact on the environment. I’m grateful to Entergy and Tesla Motors for supporting the expansion of EV infrastructure in and around the City of Jackson.”

Tesla is donating their Universal Wall Connector for each charging station, which features both the North American Charging Standard and the J-1772 connector. The equipment provides compatibility with all plug-in vehicles on the market. The Level 2 – 240 volt stations add up to 25 miles of range per hour, making it the perfect solution for visitors who routinely spend at least a few hours visiting the campus.

Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund has awarded approximately $43 million in Entergy shareholder contributions to environmentally beneficial projects and programs since 2001. EIF has supported wetlands restoration in Louisiana, reforestation in Mississippi and Texas, waterway and wildlife conservation in Arkansas, and a host of volunteer opportunities and other projects you can learn about here.

About Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi, LLC provides electricity to approximately 459,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of ϳԹ, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than , Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Mississippi, visit the and connect with @EntergyMS on social media.

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Entergy helps protect the environment through $1M in grants to community partners /news/entergy-helps-protect-environment-through-1m-in-grants-community-partners Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:15:00 +0000 /blog-post/entergy-helps-protect-environment-through-1m-in-grants-community-partners/ 20 local environmental partners receive shareholder-funded grants to
help create cleaner communities

NEW ORLEANS – Entergy is helping 20 local community partners protect the environment by contributing a combined total of approximately $1 million in shareholder-funded grants through the company’s Environmental Initiatives Fund.

“For 23 years, we have dedicated ourselves to partnering with our communities through this fund to identify and support essential projects that protect and enhance the environment,” said John Weiss, Entergy’s vice president of sustainability and environmental policy. “Our aim is not just to be good environmental stewards, but also to make a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”

Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund identifies projects or programs that improve the environment by reducing emissions, protecting natural resources, and restoring wetlands and forests. The fund also educates Entergy’s customers, employees, communities and owners on the value of natural resources and other environmental improvements.

Recipients of the 2023 Environmental Initiatives Fund grants include:

  • to plant and maintain more than 50 trees on Harding Boulevard in Baton Rouge, Louisiana ($160,000).

  • to help build a paved trail along Hot Springs Creek for alternative transportation, an exercise path and recreational activities in Hot Springs, Arkansas ($96,000).

  • to provide energy efficient repairs to 10 homeowners facing financial challenges in New Orleans, Louisiana. Repairs include insulation, air sealing and HVAC system upgrades ($50,000).

  • to protect and improve coastal sanctuaries on Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, by making enhancements in three key areas: access to nature, infrastructure improvements and habitat restoration ($39,000).

  • to support its Eco Ambassador Program dedicated to litter cleanup, litter prevention, education and outreach, and beautification of Jackson, Mississippi ($30,000).

View the complete list of the 2023 grant recipients .

2024 applications now open

If you or someone you know has a project idea that promotes conservation, energy efficiency or delivers other environmental benefits, the 2024 Request for Proposals for funding consideration is now open. Submit your environmental project proposal using . All proposals must be received by midnight Central time, May 31.

Since 2001, Entergy shareholders have invested nearly $43 million in environmentally beneficial projects and programs through the Environmental Initiatives Fund. The fund also contributes to Entergy’s leadership role as an advocate for and contributor to solutions to our most critical environmental challenges.

Learn more about Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund on our website.

About Entergy 

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at‚ÄØentergy.com‚ÄØand follow‚ÄØ@Entergy‚ÄØon social media. #WePowerLife¬†

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Entergy New Orleans presents Party for the Planet /news/entergy-new-orleans-presents-party-for-planet Thu, 28 Mar 2024 08:18:00 +0000 /blog-post/entergy-new-orleans-presents-party-for-planet/ In partnership with the Audubon Nature Institute, Entergy New Orleans is proud to present Party for the Planet, a series of conservation-focused gatherings taking place this spring. The events celebrate nature and connect people with ways they can make positive impacts on the natural world.

Party for the Planet presented by Entergy launches with Spring into Action at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center on March 30, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon. Guests will enjoy nature-themed activities, hands-on discovery and interactive experiences that promote environmental awareness, and experience special programming at the Nature Center Planetarium.

“Our communities are made stronger when we highlight responsible conservation and sustainability,” said Deanna Rodriguez, President, and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “By partnering with the Audubon Nature Institute and supporting initiatives like Party for the Planet, Entergy encourages everyone to learn how to take better care of the world we call home.”

This series is supported by Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund, which directs $1 million annually to environmental improvement projects.

Spring into Action¬†and the other¬†Party for the Planet¬†events are fun ways to get people involved in making environmentally friendly decisions every day,” said Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO. “We are grateful for Entergy’s continued partnership on this important series of conservation-themed events.”

Spring into Action is the installment of the five-part event series, Party for the Planet presented by Entergy. Other special events include:

  • Saturday, April 20: Earth Day Family Service Day – location TBD
  • Saturday, May 18: Endangered Species Day¬†at Audubon Zoo
  • Saturday, June 8: World Oceans Day¬†at Audubon Aquarium
  • Saturday, June 22: Pollination Celebration¬†at Audubon Institute
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Entergy’s conservation partnership empowers agricultural customers for success and sustainability /blog/entergy-s-conservation-partnership-empowers-agricultural-customers-for-success-sustainability Tue, 23 Jan 2024 21:48:00 +0000 /entergy-s-conservation-partnership-empowers-agricultural-customers-for-success-sustainability As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and meeting our customer needs, Entergy has been a longtime supporter of , one of the world’s largest wetland and waterfowl conservation organizations.

Our provides $1 million shareholder-funded dollars each year for environmental improvement projects. Through this fund, one of the major initiatives we have supported is the . The partnership was formed in 2013 to bring about meaningful and long-term improvements to three of the nation’s critical natural and economic resources: waterfowl, working rice lands and water.

Entergy and the Rice Stewardship Partnership share a common goal: helping agricultural producers with their operations, with an eye toward improving their bottom line while also protecting our natural resources. As the largest electric power production and retail distribution company across the rice-growing regions of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley and Gulf Coast, we are a natural partner for this work.

“Innovative collaborations among companies, governments and conservation organizations show increasing potential to tackle underlying challenges like preserving groundwater, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving wildlife habitat,” said Dr. Scott Manley, director of agriculture support at Ducks Unlimited. “Collaborations with partners like Entergy are essential to meet everybody’s climate and nature goals.”

In 2019, the Environmental Initiatives Fund provided a $250,000 grant to support the Rice Stewardship Partnership’s work to conserve wetlands on agricultural lands. The program’s goal is to improve water and energy use and increase wildlife habitat in rice-growing areas.

We don’t just provide funding, however – we also provide expertise and technical support to rice growers to help them reach their conservation goals.

Since 2006, we have donated nearly $1 million through shareholder-funded grants and more than $8.5 million of in-kind contributions to Ducks Unlimited in support of initiatives across Entergy’s service area. Through our partnership, we are leveraging a variety of resources to support important regional conservation efforts while helping our customers build a more sustainable future.

The Environmental Initiatives Fund was launched in 2001 and has invested nearly $43 million in environmental improvement projects. Learn more about our commitment to the environment at entergy.com/environment.

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Sustainability defines Entergy Mississippi’s past and future /blog/sustainability-defines-entergy-mississippi-s-past-future Thu, 28 Sep 2023 18:07:00 +0000 /sustainability-defines-entergy-mississippi-s-past-future For Entergy Mississippi, it was a commitment to the future that rooted the company in sustainability. During MP&L’s annual meeting in 1970, President Donald Lutken appealed to the audience to “gear up for a new era” of community service and development, with special emphasis on meeting the “environmental demands of our times.”

“Those early steps by the company set the course for what sustainability means in the modern era,” said Kelli Dowell, Entergy’s director, environmental policy. “It’s everything we’re doing to make sure our stakeholders are thriving now and well into the future. It’s more than environmental actions—it’s boosting economic development, helping people in need and improving the quality of life in our communities. Lutken understood that those efforts were interconnected in fundamental ways.”

Environmental stewardship, poverty solutions and education and workforce development all contribute to Entergy’s mission of delivering sustainable value to customers, employees, communities and owners. Entergy-led initiatives in Mississippi have provided financial and volunteer support to meet many critical needs—from tax-return assistance and disaster relief to stocking food pantries and improving early childhood education.

Today, Lutken’s bold vision for the future is a reality. Since 2001, when Entergy became the first U.S. utility to voluntarily stabilize its carbon dioxide emissions, the company has become a leader in sustainability. Early action led to a carbon emission rate that at year-end 2022 was 31% lower than year-2000 levels.

Net-zero emissions by 2050

Entergy’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 now drives the company’s business strategy. Key initiatives include transitioning to cleaner generation sources, building a more resilient system and partnering with customers to help them meet their own sustainability goals.

Entergy Mississippi’s contributions to achieving Entergy’s overall sustainability goals have been vital. Over the past two decades, Entergy Mississippi has significantly reduced carbon emissions through fleet modernization; and since 1985, Grand Gulf Nuclear Station has added safe, carbon-free energy to the grid while affordably generating around 20% of Mississippi’s electricity.

In 2021, Entergy Mississippi made its largest-ever commitment to renewable resources with the rollout of EDGE, for , a five-year strategy to replace aging natural gas plants with 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy.

Today, the new 100-megawatt Sunflower Solar Station in Ruleville is producing clean, green energy for customers in addition to local sales and property tax revenues for Sunflower County. Indirect benefits have included increased local spending for service and construction industries in the Mississippi Delta.

Entergy Mississippi also is making it possible for customers to fulfill their own climate commitments.

“Our commercial and industrial customers have sustainability goals that they’re trying to meet, and the fact that we’re a lower-emission source of power is a key advantage for them,” said Ann Becker, senior manager of corporate sustainability. “In many ways, sustainability is our business. It means understanding our customers’ needs, providing cost-effective solutions and working with them in meaningful ways to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Increasing sustainability through grantmaking

Another way Entergy Mississippi is helping reduce emissions and increase sustainability is through shareholder-funded grants from the and the Entergy Charitable Foundation.

Since 2009, EIF grants totaling approximately $1.3 million have supported a variety of improvements in Mississippi, such as a Ducks Unlimited initiative that helps rice farmers and other agricultural producers optimize irrigation and enhance wildlife habitat. The project protects groundwater resources by utilizing surface water for irrigation and includes pump electrification to improve energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

Other shareholder-funded projects in Mississippi have included the Sky Lake Boardwalk near Belzoni, which winds through some of the largest and oldest bald cypress trees on Earth; and the Fannye Cook Natural Area in Flowood, Mississippi’s largest urban natural area.

Entergy’s sustainability focus also is boosting Mississippi’s electric vehicle market. In 2010, the company helped fund the installation of EV charging stations at Jackson State University, University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi State University. More recently, Entergy Mississippi launched a in Ridgeland—the first company-owned EV charging station of its kind in Entergy’s four-state service area.

“I believe we’re still here because of the value we place on sustainability and making the right decisions today that will help future generations thrive,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO. “For the past century, investing in the well-being of our customers and communities has shaped our identity. We’re always working to build a better, more sustainable future for Mississippi because that’s what a premier utility does.”

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