Environment

The National Drought Mitigation Center has upgraded much of western Kentucky to “exceptional drought” status. Climatologist Brian Fuchs says exceptional drought, or D4, is the highest drought level. It’s characterized by widespread crop loss and water restrictions in some places.

United States Department of Agriculture officials are trying to get a better feel for the damage the drought has done to crops in the region.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed three new environmental laws yesterday aimed at protecting ecosystems from invasive species, improving recycling and promoting green technology in plumbing.  

More than half of western Kentucky counties remain under burn bans this week. Out of 22 counties, 15 have reported burn bans to the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Some cities, including Madisonville have issued their own bans on outdoor burning and fireworks.