Environment

Natural gas is becoming increasingly popular as a source of electricity, and in many places—including Louisville—it’s replacing coal. But natural gas is also becoming more prevalent as fuel for vehicles.

In Waste Management’s facility off of Fern Valley Road, there’s a garbage truck parked after its daily route. On one side, so large it’s hard to miss, is a sign that says “Think Green, Think Clean”—a reference to the fact that this truck burns cleaner natural gas.

A slowdown in Kentucky's mining industry is causing financial problems. Diminished severance tax revenue could force some planned construction projects in the coalfields to be postponed.

Revenue from the state's coal severance tax is plummeting, with mines shutting down and miners being laid off.

Deputy State Budget Director John Hicks told lawmakers today that coal tax revenue is projected at $245 million this year. That's $88 million less than was expected when lawmakers passed the budget less than five months ago.

The Hindustan Times is reporting that a government investigation in India could put the huge Kentucky-India coal deal in question. This is the $7 billion trade deal that was announced last month to much fanfare.