KFTC speaks with Beshear in Sheperdsville

  Jefferson County members attended the governor's town hall meeting in Shepherdsville, KY on Tuesday August 5th. Members Cherise Williams and Margaret Stewart were able to speak about mountaintop removal (MTR) mining and coal issues in front of a roomful of Bullitt and Jefferson County residents, state representatives, and cabinet members. Beshear was challenged to address the issues surrounding the lack of law enforcement around MTR practices, water quality, reclamation land, and pollution.

   Beshear responded that yes, there were plans to enforce the law against coal companies but defended MTR for providing flat lands to eastern Kentucky residents. KFTC member Margaret Stewart countered that eastern Kentucky has enough flattened mountains to build several cities and it was time for a change.

  The meeting was followed up with interesting conversation between KFTC members and Len Peters, secretary of the new Energy and Environment Cabinet. Cherise and Margaret pushed the discussion about renewables and MTR. Peters commented on what the cabinet is possibly thinking in terms of a new energy plan. Peter stated that the best-case scenario is that Kentucky could generate maximum 25% of electricity needs from combination of renewables, efficiency, conservation, etc. over the next 20 years; therefore they are focused on more and more coal.

   He shared that there is a test carbon sequestration well drilled in Hancock County and that carbon capture and storage/use will add $20 - $50 per ton of coal. He also expressed support for nuclear power. KFTC members reinforced the importance of improving significant investment in research on renewable energy and reducing our dependence on coal.