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Natural Gas Companies Brief Lawmakers On Industry's Future

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Members of the Kentucky interim joint committee on natural resources and the environment and a special energy subcommittee got an update Thursday on where natural gas is, and where it could head, in Kentucky.

Republican State Senator Jared Carpenter is chair of both committees and says natural gas will grow as a portion of the state’s energy sources, but not at the expense of coal.

“I think they are going to be a major player now, because the federal regulations are being so impossible, to reach the regulations they're wanting to pass. Coal is going to be impacted by it, like it has been, but coal's not going to go anywhere. Everybody understands the importance of 

coal, not only to Kentucky, but to providing a cheap energy source. But I think they can work hand-in-hand together."

The stable of Kentucky lawmakers are also learning how natural gas can be developed to meet the state’s transportation needs. Industry experts briefed members on the viability of natural gas filling stations, which are currently limited across the state.

“It’s an important issue for Kentucky,” Carpenter said. “Gas has become a major player, in providing energy sources for Kentucky, and that's why we wanted to come to Owensboro. One of our members, this is his home community, and they've got a beautiful facility, and they just worked hand-in-hand so we could hear a presentation from the gas association and learn more about what they're doing."

Reports experts predict the fuel will comprise a larger share of Kentucky’s energy portfolio in the future.

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