Oct 4 Environment Southern States Energy Board Meets in Virginia The Southern States Energy Board held a Governor’s Energy Summit in Virginia this morning. Kentucky is a member of the board, and was represented by Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters. In the board’s mission statement, it stresses both the economy and environment, but there was no evidence of the latter in the day’s […] By Erica Peterson Oct 4 Environment Southern States Energy Board Meets in Virginia Erica Peterson
Sep 30 Environment EPA Responds to Beshear’s Letter This morning, the Environmental Protection Agency responded to an email asking for comments on a letter Governor Steve Beshear sent to President Barack Obama earlier this week. In an interview, Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters expressed frustration with the EPA’s requirements for permits. He says Kentucky worked with the regional EPA on a template […] By Erica Peterson Sep 30 Environment EPA Responds to Beshear’s Letter Erica Peterson
Sep 29 Environment Beshear Calls for Consistency in Coal Regulations From Federal Government Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has sent a letter to President Obama asking for more consistency and clarity in regulation of the coal industry. The letter was a follow-up to a brief meeting between Beshear and President Obama at the Cincinnati airport last week. Since the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would be scrutinizing surface mining […] By Erica Peterson Sep 29 Environment Beshear Calls for Consistency in Coal Regulations From Federal Government Erica Peterson
Jun 28 Environment Lawsuit Initiated Against Two Eastern Kentucky Coal Companies Several environmental groups are threatening to sue two eastern Kentucky coal companies for thousands of water violations. They say the state won’t take action. This comes as the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet is lobbying to have even more control over the state’s waterways. The notice of intent to sue was sent from Appalachian Voices, […] By Erica Peterson Jun 28 Environment Lawsuit Initiated Against Two Eastern Kentucky Coal Companies Erica Peterson
Dec 14 Environment Biomass Energy Use to Ramp Up in KY A new report from Governor Steve Beshear’s task force on biomass recommends that the state ramp up biomass production for electricity generation and transportation fuels. That’s in order not only to meet Kentucky’s growing energy needs but also federal regulations requiring increased use of renewable fuels. By Kristin Espeland Dec 14 Environment Biomass Energy Use to Ramp Up in KY Kristin Espeland
May 19 Local News Climate Change Bill Moving Through Congress Kentucky leaders are watching the Waxman-Markey climate change and energy bill make its way through Congress. By Kristin Espeland May 19 Local News Climate Change Bill Moving Through Congress Kristin Espeland
Nov 24 Local News Unclear How State Will Implement Energy Plan The plan proposes creating a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard. It would require 25 percent of Kentucky’s energy to come from some renewable sources but also from increased energy efficiency by the year 2025. Energy and Environment Cabinet secretary Len Peters says the emphasis will be on efficiency, and power plants will not be required to meet any particular target. By Kristin Espeland Nov 24 Local News Unclear How State Will Implement Energy Plan Kristin Espeland