Summer Days are Here

Written By Lane Boldman

As we lean into the long days of Summer, it seems like we somehow breezed by those final days of Spring after the General Assembly adjourned back in late April. Usually this is considered more of a “slow” season for KCC, but that has not been the norm for some time. As we all have been experiencing the “heat dome” and temperatures that have been intensifying across the country, we have been staying focused on projects to reduce greenhouse gases and increase our climate resiliency, through sustainable innovations as well as nature-based solutions.

One of the bigger projects over the past months has been our partner work as part of the Sustainable Aluminum Network, where we have been addressing the de-carbonization of the industrial sector, and informing the media about this important issue. A new aluminum smelter could be constructed in the US for the first time in over 40 years, thanks to the prospects of a potential $500-million Department of Energy grant and access to renewable energy as part of the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED). The ability to provide cleaner aluminum will be essential for many applications, including the electric vehicle economy. EVs use about 25% more aluminum than traditional vehicles & automakers utilize about 18% of all aluminum produced globally. That’s why it’s critical that we get the aluminum supply chain right. Kentucky is in a strategic position to bring this project to the state and we have been working to make that happen in a way that is sustainable and addresses the needs and benefits of the communities where the project may reside.

(Left) KCC at a partner meeting of the Sustainable Aluminum Network. (Right, Above) Some of our publications, including KCC’s Summary Brief on the 2024 Legislative Session, plus our updated “Key Steps for Climate Action in Kentucky” and our updated Community Solar Guide- contact us for printed copies of these three briefs. (Members in good standing should already be getting a copy of the Legislative Session summary but we can provide additional copies to interest groups).

KCC has also been working with the National Parks Conservation Association and local allies on raising awareness and preparing comments on regional haze, where Mammoth Cave has been one of the parks of particular focus. A 2024 report by NPCA found that 98% of national parks in the United States grapple with concerning levels of haze pollution, obscuring the scenic views and landmarks that draw millions of visitors each year. The report shows that 96% of these parks face concerning levels of ozone pollution, increasing health risks, such as respiratory illnesses and asthma attacks, for staff, visitors and nearby communities. And it underscores that 96% of national parks harbor sensitive species and natural habitats adversely affected by pollution. You may find the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s draft “Regional Haze Implementation Plan” and information about the public comment period here. The public comment period runs through July 11. Watch for our updates on email and social media for additional suggestions on comments you can make. KCC, KRC, and NPCA are working together and will share more information as it becomes available.

Other work has included KCC’s continued involvement as part of the Kentuckians for Energy Democracy coalition, where we have collectively been building tools to help the public engage with important energy-related matters that are before the Public Service Commission. There are two cases accepting public comment on the Big Rivers and Kentucky Power Integrated Resource Plans, and also cases involving Duke Energy and LG&E-KU involving “Net Metering” - which impacts the value of your compensation for rooftop solar on your homes and businesses. You may find information about all of these cases and how to comment here.

Interim Session underway

Committee meetings for the interim working sessions of the legislature began on June 3rd and continues through the end of the year. KCC regularly attends many of these committee meetings throughout the Summer and through the end of the year for the benefit of the partner groups we work with and we keep them informed of developments that may impact their work. The Interim committee calendar can be found here.

Last week, the Interim Joint Committee Natural Resources & Energy received a detailed presentation from the Public Service Commission on the state of energy in Kentucky. Presentation slides here.

We also heard a great update this week from Canopy Kentucky, who presented to the Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development. Nonprofits in the Greater Louisville region are already familiar with the work this company is doing to build purpose-driven businesses, so we hope you check out their website.

KCC In the News

We appreciate the coverage on some of the important issues KCC and allies have been working on. Here are just a few stories published over the past two months, including our work on the Green Smelter project.

Upcoming Events- Save These Dates! We’d Love to See you Soon!

We are excited to announce that we are once again hosting the national Wild and Scenic Film Festival! We are still working on our final selection of films for this year, so watch for updates- but tickets are already available through our website, so it’s not too early to save your space! And our Foundation will be hosting a Silent Auction once again, and we are looking for donations! So if you have an item or two to donate, you can use this link to donate items to the silent auction! Any and all contributions appreciated! And we hope to see you at this year’s event. Our thanks to our title sponsor this year, Republic Bank.













Lane Boldman
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A Busy and Exciting Summer
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The Long Game