News of KFTC and our issues
USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Increase Energy Efficiency in Rural Homes and Businesses
July 17, 2012
"Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a proposed regulation that will to help rural homeowners and businesses make affordable energy improvements to their homes and buildings. This effort is expected to expand job opportunities in the construction industry and save homeowners and businesses money on their energy bills..."
Editorial | A war on workers
July 17, 2012
Some coal operators supposed to provide safe and secure employment for miners instead are piling up life-threatening safety violations — in at least one case as clueless state inspectors found no serious problems at a Harlan County mine. The failures of rogue coal operators are costing communities jobs.
Stronger regulations needed for black lung
July 16, 2012
Word that the number of new black lung diagnoses has doubled in the last decade underscores the need for the Obama administration to move quickly on new, more stringent federal mine safety regulations limiting the amount of breathable coal dust found in the nation’s coal mines.
Kentucky mine inspectors were lax in Harlan County
July 15, 2012
Only after The Courier-Journal published a story about a federal mine inspection finding numerous violations did state officials conduct their own inspection, finding 37 violations at a mine that they had visited 30 times in the past three years, often finding no violations. The federal agency has cited the mine for 149 violations so far this year, and shut down the mine for 9 days in May.
Pike disaster victims deserve answers, protection from state & federal officials
July 15, 2012
Two years after devastating floods in Harless Creek and other areas of Pike County, residents are still looking for answers about why state officials let Cambrian Coal (owned by the largest contributor to Gov. Beshear's re-election campaign) operate without a permit for 18 months.
Black Lung rule loopholes leave miners vulnerable - part 2
July 10, 2012
Thousands of coal miners continued to suffer and die from black lung during the 40 years that tough new limits on exposure to coal dust were supposed to provide protection.
Secretary Grimes Helps 105-Year Old Register to Vote
July 10, 2012
"Margaret Harris hasn’t voted in an election in 84 years, but with the help of Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and Mercer County Clerk Chris Horn, on July 6, 2012, the 105-year old registered to vote, making her eligible to participate in the November 2012 Presidential election.
As Mine Protections Fail, Black Lung Cases Surge - part 1
July 9, 2012
A joint investigation by National Public Radio and the Center for Public Integrity found that the incidence of the disease that steals the breath of coal miners doubled in the last decade, according to data analyzed by epidemiologist Scott Laney at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Kentucky Co-op RFP Includes Renewable Energy Generation
June 21, 2012
East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to obtain up to 300 MW of generation resources for projects to be placed in service by October 2015.
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