energy

TVA Board Chooses New CEO

Shelly Baskin and The Associated Press — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:07:55 +0000

The Tennessee Valley Authority’s board has chosen a former energy chief from North Carolina to succeed retiring Tom Kilgore as the chief executive of the nation’s largest public utility.

Kentucky Mines Sign $7B, 25-Year Coal Contract with India

Erica Peterson (KPR) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 20:22:09 +0000

Coal mines in Kentucky and West Virginia will send millions of tons of coal to India, under the terms of a 25-year contract that was signed Wednesday. As Kentucky Public Radio’s Erica Peterson reports, the deal is being hailed as a sign of hope in the coal export market.

Kentucky Ranks First in Toxic Air Pollution from Power Plants

Erica Peterson — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:36:19 +0000

Kentucky is number one on a list of the states with the most toxic air pollution from power plants.

The Natural Resources Defense Council analyzed the data self-reported by industries in the Toxic Release Inventory, which is managed by the federal government. The most recent data is from 2010, and that year, Kentucky’s power plants emitted more than 40 million pounds of toxic air pollution.

McConnell Rallies for Coal to be Bigger Part of US Energy Portfolio

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:18:30 +0000

As the Environmental Protection Agency begins its public forums on coal mining permits in Kentucky, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell is rallying for coal to be a bigger part of the nation's energy portfolio.

WKMS Presents Burn: an Energy Journal during Noon Hour

Jenni Todd — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:37:54 +0000

Murray State's public radio service 91.3 WKMS presents BURN: an Energy Journal, airing Thursdays, April 19 and 26, at noon. BURN: An Energy Journal is the flagship program of The Public Radio Energy Project.Host Alex Chadwick, a veteran reporter and writer, maintains that energy is the fundamental issue of our time; it powers our homes and our economy; it creates troubled alliances; it empowers and impoverishes; and enables almost all that we do as a society.

Frankfort Participates in Earth Hour

Rose Krzton-Presson — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:30:34 +0000

The Kentucky state capitol will turn off unnecessary lights tomorrow night as part of International Earth Hour. This is the fourth consecutive year the capitol has participated in the event sponsored by the World Wildlife Federation. Officials say this is part a comprehensive plan to reduce energy consumption in state buildings by 15% in the next three years and 25% by 2025.

Sen Paul Opposes Alternative Energy Loan Program

Dan Conti (KPR) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:22:02 +0000

US Senator Rand Paul says the federal energy department should stop its loan guarantee program for companies developing alternative energy products. The Kentucky Republican told Energy Secretary Steven Chu Tuesday some of the loans have gone to wealthy friends of President Obama and that raises questions about the whole program.

Report Urges Policymakers to Consider Long-Term Sustainability of Coal Severance Fund

Erica Peterson (KPR) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:56:23 +0000

State lawmakers are considering a bill that would designate some coal severance tax money to scholarships for coalfields residents; the measure has already passed the House. But a report by a non-profit group warns that Kentucky needs to think about the long-term future of the state’s coal severance fund. Coal producers pay a tax of four and a half percent value of coal that’s sold into the state’s coal severance fund. Half of that money goes to Kentucky’s general fund, and the other half goes to various programs in coal-producing counties.

Beshear intercedes on behalf of Paducah plant

Todd Hatton — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:11:44 +0000

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has joined with members of the Commonwealth's congressional delegation to press the US Department of Energy to offer a plan for the future of Paducah's government-owned nuclear enrichment plant. The plant could cease operations later this year, eliminating about 1,200 jobs. Beshear sent a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu Monday, saying lack of action by the DOE is putting a major economic engine in western Kentucky at risk. Beshear's letter came days after Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul and Repre