[Lexington, Ky.] – As part of its ongoing outreach to educators in Central Kentucky, Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) hosted 20 teachers for a panel discussion on coal mining and its effect on the environment on November 13, 2008. The event was the culmination of the teachers’ two-day tour of coal and alternative energy in Eastern Kentucky, made possible by funding from the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence.
The discussion featured four speakers with varying opinions of the coal industry and its environmental impact, including Veronica Judy-Cecil, office of Congressman Ben Chandler; Bill Kaylor, Kentucky Coal Association; Carla Marcum, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA); and Randy Wilson, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.
Ms. Judy-Cecil began the event by discussing energy and Congress’ role in directing its future. She touched on various pieces of recent legislation and the implications they hold for America’s energy future, including:
Energy Independence and Security Act-expands American-grown biofuels to 35 billion gallons in 2022
2008 Farm Bill-promotes the development of biofuels from non-corn sources
Green Schools Bill-designed to renovate, repair and modernize crumbling public schools in an environmentally-friendly way
Mr. Kaylor, president of the Kentucky Coal Association, discussed the positive aspects of coal in Kentucky, stating that there are several key points in coal’s favor, including its abundance, affordability, reliability and job creation. He also stated that coal mining’s environmental impact is no different from that of real estate development and highway construction.
Ms. Marcum spoke of coal mining from a safety perspective, discussing MSHA’s initiatives and standards designed to make mining as safe as possible. She also spoke of several personal experiences she has had in the mines as an employee of MSHA.
Lastly, Mr. Wilson spoke of his negative experiences with coal, touching on issues of water and air quality. He discussed his desire for a change in energy practices in Appalachia, saying, “We have to look to a future of transition in Eastern Kentucky.”
“It was a wonderful opportunity to have four diverse speakers discussing such an important issue to Kentucky’s energy future,” said Amy Sohner, executive director of Bluegrass PRIDE. “I hope the teachers found it useful and were able to extract valuable information and ideas to share with their students.”
Prior to the panel discussion, the teachers toured several facilities including underground and surface mines, Kentucky’s Coal Mining Museum, a new school employing alternative energy techniques, a coal-fired power plant, and the University of Kentucky’s Energy Research facility.
Bluegrass PRIDE is a 501(c)3 organization devoted to providing environmental resources and information to schools, community groups, local governments and citizens throughout 18 counties in Central Kentucky. For more information, visit www.KentuckyPRIDE.com.
