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Panel of legislators react to energy white paper

Sen. Robin Webb

Rep. Leslie Combs

Rep. Jim Glenn

Rep. Mary Lou Marzian

(Midway KY) - Four legislators shared their thoughts at The Women's Network's Annual Forum on this Saturday morning on Midway College's campus. Each brought their district's perspective to the need for a coherent energy policy.

Senator Robin Webb represents Boyd, Carter and Greenup Counties in far northeastern Kentucky, an area heavily invested in the health of the coal industry. Webb said that she supports an energy policy that includes coal as a "vital part of the portfolio."

Webb believes there is more political will for an energy policy but it will be challenging given the divided nature of the General Assembly with the Senate in Republican hands and the House under Democratic control.

Rep. Leslie Combs hails from the heart of coal country in Pike County. She represents parts of Pike, Harlan and Letcher Counties. She told the audience that she visited with students in her district and their questions were so good that she was sweating by the time the session was over. "And they still had their hands up as the teachers were leading them out the door." That gives her hope for the next generation.

There are pros and cons to coal, she told the audience.

"You won't find an energy source hotter and more efficient when burned. It is difficult to replace dependence on coal."

The con - coal is dirty. While there are ways to properly mine coal, doing so cuts into the profit margin.

This state is 93% dependent on coal for its energy needs. "Over time we've gotten into this position. It kept energy costs low which attracted manufacturing."

Combs emphasized her concern that no one is paying attention to the infrastructure that delivers energy. It will take billions of dollars to fix the aging transmission lines and equipment.

House District 6 Representative Jim Glenn of Owensboro hails from the "aluminum triangle." Aluminum production is a major job producer and energy user. So when Century Aluminum got out of its power contract with Big Rivers Electric and began buying coal from Wyoming, 70% of Big Rivers market went. Customers had to pick up the slack to keep Big Rivers open.

Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, (Louisville House 34) thanked Rep. Combs for giving her bill on energy a hearing. That has not been the case in the past. Marzian said that she and Rep. DeCesare, a Republican from Warren County co chair the green school committee. Warren County is the home of a net zero school.

Marzian said that the Obama administration tried to get money in the budget for infrastructure, but it was blocked by the GOP.

Rep. Marzian cited House Bill 388 as a major impairment to implementation of EPA emissions mandates.

All four on the panel agreed that the recommendations in "Kentucky's Energy Future...at the Crossroads" would take work on the part of supporters to have any chance of passing the General Assembly.

To read "Kentucky's Energy Future...at the Crossroads" click on More.