Smokestack

Tomorrow's Discussion on Coal Aims to Get at Facts Behind Rhetoric

Erica Peterson — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Tom FitzGerald of the Kentucky Resources Council and Jim Waters of the Bluegrass Institute often disagree on some aspects of Kentucky coal production, federal regulations and the environment (as evidenced by this recent opinion piece written by Waters).

Local Author Explores Climate Change, Energy and the Keystone XL Pipeline in New Book

Erica Peterson — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:42:54 +0000

A decision on the fate of the northern section of a pipeline that would transport oil from Canada to the United States isn’t expected for months, but advocates and opponents of the project are still staging demonstrations. A new book by a local author ties in local efforts to raise awareness about climate change with the larger issues surrounding the development of Canadian tar sands and the Keystone XL pipeline.

It's Bike to Work Day

Erica Peterson — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:04:52 +0000

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer is encouraging commuters to think about making the trip by bicycle on Friday. It’s Bike to Work Day, and groups are meeting in six locations around Louisville and Southern Indiana to commute downtown together.

Louisville Zoo's Oldest Polar Bear, Arki, Dies

Erica Peterson — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:22:24 +0000

Louisville Zoo officials say the zoo's oldest polar bear passed away today from unknown causes.

Senate Advances McConnell Measure to Promote Fishing, Block Safety Restrictions Near Dams

Erica Peterson — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:52:20 +0000

A measure to stop the Army Corps of Engineers from restricting access to the Cumberland River near locks and dams is moving through Congress.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell added the amendment to a water resources bill that passed the Senate today. In a news release, McConnell said restricting access to the water directly below dams would have a devastating effect on fishermen and the local economy.

Air Pollution Board Approves Changes to Regulations

Erica Peterson — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:37:19 +0000

The Louisville Air Pollution Control Board has approved a suite of regulation reforms, including fee increases for some air pollution permits.

Lees Lane Landfill Soil Testing Shows Contamination, But Source and Scope Still Unknown

Erica Peterson — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:59:59 +0000

New soil sampling at the Lees Lane Landfill shows there’s still some contamination at the site, but further testing is needed to determine whether the heavy metals and toxic chemicals found in the tests originated at the landfill.

Report: Declines in Central Appalachian Coal Production, Demand Will Continue

Erica Peterson — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:41:52 +0000

A new report takes a comprehensive look at the numerous factors behind the decline in Central Appalachian coal production, and predicts that more production declines are in the future.

Federal Data Shows Kentucky's Carbon Dioxide Emissions Increased from 2000-2010

Erica Peterson — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:56:13 +0000

New state-level data from the Energy Information Administration shows that carbon dioxide emissions fell in most states in the last decade. But Kentucky saw a slight increase in emissions.

Thirteen years ago, Kentucky was emitting 144.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, generated during electricity generation. Ten years later, that number was up to about 150 million metric tons. That’s more than a four percent increase.

New Air Monitor in Louisville Will Measure Vehicle Pollution

Erica Peterson — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Louisville’s Air Pollution Control District is moving forward with plans to place an air monitor near the Watterson Expressway. The monitor will measure concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, or “NOx.”

The Air Pollution Control District has chosen a site for the monitor; it’s at 1517 Durrett Lane, right next to I-264, and slightly west of Poplar Level Road. Now, the district is just waiting for the Environmental Protection Agency to approve the location.