Energy & Environment

Opportunity:               

Develop a diverse energy strategy for Kentucky that uses existing and new technologies, achieves environmental protection and keeps energy costs low for businesses and families.


Approach:

1. Support public and private investments in a variety of energy sources and incentivize businesses that develop and utilize new technologies.
2. Encourage the continued use of coal in Kentucky and encourage the development of electric generating facilities that utilize clean-coal technology.
3. Revise KRS 278.605 and 278.610, barriers to the development of nuclear energy in Kentucky to allow for the use of this clean power source.

Opportunity:               

Direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to exercise its primacy to address unprecedented, expensive, and often inefficient and ineffective federally unfunded environmental mandates on businesses and local governments.


Approach:

1. Provide DEP with resources to properly exercise its primacy rights in responding to the development of federal regulations.
2. Apply the spirit of modifications made to KRS 224 during the 2010 Regular Session and expand its implementation to all environmental mandates, which requires regulators to consider affordability and timing of implementation in addition to environmental impact. 
3. Require the DEP to work closely with businesses and local governments to shape environmental limits that are necessary and affordable.

Opportunity:               

Investment in green initiatives such as Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building construction, incorporating green initiatives in wastewater/storm water conveyance and treatment utilizing bio-remediation, porous pavements will lead to a cleaner environment, while creating new jobs and growing the economy             

Approach:

1. The General Assembly should pass legislation that promotes research and development through tax incentives for green initiatives that promote environmental quality and energy independence.
2. The General Assembly should support and promote energy efficiency and other green building programs in both existing and newly constructed buildings and creating incentives for the utilization of sustainable energy, water conservation and recycling systems for residential construction.