The Value of Teamwork
Attorneys Kate Huddleston, Byron Gary, Thomas Cmar and Cass McCrae were just some of the many attorneys who prepared for several long days of hearings…while citizens filled the room at the Public Service Commission’s recent CPCN hearing with LG&E/KU.
A few weeks ago we told you about the efforts to drive public engagement in a highly significant utility case (PSC case 2022-00402) involving in part LG&E/KU’s request to build two new gas plants, citing public convenience and necessity. To date, more than 200 comments have been filed, with many coming from the efforts of a coalition of allies through Kentuckians for Energy Democracy…a network of a dozen nonprofits that KCC has been a part of since its inception. This team of organizations has been building momentum over the past few years for this moment. The effort of K4ED’s partner groups resulted in four in-person public meetings and one virtual meeting on this rate case with significant turnout from the public.
But this coalition of citizen’s groups are only a part of the story. We also want to acknowledge the tremendous support from a team of environmental attorneys, intervenors and expert witnesses who have spent countless hours on bringing evidence to light on this case and several others that could impact energy affordability and a clean energy transition. We particularly want to acknowledge the work of Thomas Cmar and Cass McCrae for Earthjustice; Kate Huddleston, Joshua Smith, Tony Mendoza, and Joe Childers for Sierra Club; Tom FitzGerald and Byron Gary for the Kentucky Resources Council. We also want to acknowledge the expert testimony from former KCC President Andy McDonald, representing the Kentucky Solar Energy Society.
It’s still not too late to submit comments on this case, provided you act soon. Information on how to submit comments can be found on our Kentuckians for Energy Democracy coalition website.
Cryptomining Discounts Rejected
The LG&E case was not the only case of note before the PSC during the past few weeks that would impact energy costs Kentucky. Last week the PSC ruled against Kentucky Power offering energy discounts to Ebon International for their crypto mining operation in Lawrence County. As KCC has been engaged in keeping the public informed about the high energy use and potential climate impacts of certain crypto mining operations, we have particularly been assisting allies with questions about this industry as this case made its way through the PSC process. The Public Service Commission cited the potential risk to Kentucky Power ratepayers—who are already burdened with high energy bills and includes some of the most impoverished counties in the state. The PSC found that due to lack of Kentucky Power’s in-house generation, the risk outweighed the economic benefits of any jobs that may come from this operation (note that crypto mines themselves create few jobs).
Interim Lobbying, Committee Work, Federal News
KCC is continuing to make the rounds with lawmakers during this interim legislative period and we encourage our members and supporters to join us….the interim period is a great time to visit with lawmakers, and KCC can assist you in preparing for your meeting. Please contact us if you are interested in scheduling a visit with your House or Senate member.
We are also spending a lot of time these past few months assisting Executive and Legislative Branch working groups, as well as citizen groups and industry on federal grants through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We have been assisting with grant programs from these initiatives that include the Wildlife Corridors Pilot Program, the Solar for All initiative, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, Clean School Bus program and more. We would like to particularly highlight one program that communities should be exploring, which is the Neighborhood access and equity grant program that can provide grants for investment in economically disadvantaged communities. The investments can include planning to address connectivity or flood prone transportation infrastructure, and the deadline for that program is coming up soon. So if you are exploring any of these federal programs and need assistance, please contact us.
ACT on the Farm Bill:
We want to also highlight actions you can take on the Federal Farm Bill. Our allies at the Kentucky Woodland Owners Association, as well as several of our land conservation allies, are asking folks to take action regarding the Forest Conservation Easement Program. The Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act of 2023 (S. 2631), which was introduced by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS). This legislation is designed to provide landowners with viable options for keeping their woodlands privately owned and functioning as working forests through conservation easement options. For more information on actions to take, visit the Kentucky Woodland Owner’s website HERE.
Upcoming Events: KCC’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Louisville Earth Walk
We are happy to announce that KCC is once again hosting Syrcl’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Friday, October 20th, so reserve your tickets NOW! This is our 9th year of hosting this traveling festival which will include eleven short outdoor recreation and activism films, plus giveaways and a silent auction. This year’s event will be held at the historic Lyric Theatre in Lexington, so please save the date and reserve your tickets now! We will also be offering a virtual option for those who wish to see these amazing films in the comfort of your home. This is a benefit for KCC, so we appreciate your support for this annual event!
And then, the week after, a coalition of environmental nonprofits will be hosting the Louisville Earth Walk once again, on Saturday, October 28th at Shawnee Park in Louisville! We encourage you to register or organize a walking team and come join us for a day in the park! We are also looking for volunteers to help us with the logistics of the day, and you can find all information at the Louisville Earth Walk website.