Erica Peterson, WFPL News

Department of Interior Delays Plan to Merge Offices

Erica Peterson, WFPL News — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:59:07 +0000

The U.S. Department of the Interior is delaying an order to merge certain parts of the office that regulates surface mining with another department. Last month, the Department of the Interior announced a proposal to merge parts of the Office of Surface Mining with the Bureau of Land Management. But concerns have been raised about both the idea itself and the way the department went about the plan.

Complaint Filed Against Livestock Commission

Erica Peterson, WFPL News — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:15:47 +0000

The Humane Society of the United States has filed a formal complaint against the Kentucky Livestock Commission. Under state law, meetings of state agencies, boards and commissions need to be open to the public. But the Humane Society says the Livestock Care Standards Commission has been meeting secretly to draft new rules for managing farm animals.

Kentucky Attends Energy Summit

Erica Peterson, WFPL News — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:19:03 +0000

The Southern States Energy Board held a Governor’s Energy Summit in Virginia this morning. Kentucky is a member of the board, and was represented by Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters. In the board’s mission statement, it stresses both the economy and environment, but there was no evidence of the latter in the day’s agenda. The only speakers were politicians and industry representatives, and the issues covered ranged from nuclear energy to oil and gas production to the economic effects of pending federal pollution rules.

Government Alleges Coal Company Discrimination

Erica Peterson, WFPL News — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:56:52 +0000

The federal government has filed a lawsuit on behalf of thirteen Kentucky coal miners who say they were discriminated against over their race. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the lawsuit earlier this week in the Western District of Kentucky against River View Coal. The lawsuit alleges that thirteen African-American miners who applied for jobs at River View Coal’s mine in Union County were rejected because of their race.

Rally Encourages Move Away From Fossil Fuels

Erica Peterson, WFPL News — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:10:04 +0000

Louisville will participate in a global movement tomorrow to offer up ideas for moving beyond fossil fuels. Moving Planet, Moving Louisville is designed to call attention to the city’s transportation carbon footprint. Drew Foley is one of the event’s organizers. He says different cities are focusing on different aspects of fossil fuels.

Unknown Chemical Spill in Ohio River

Erica Peterson, WFPL News — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:30:30 +0000

An unknown chemical leaked into the Ohio River last night, killing several fish. But water samples taken since then show no sign of any contamination. A sheen was noticed on the river’s surface by cameras at Dow Chemical’s plant, south of Rubbertown. The Lake Dreamland Fire Department first responded to the call and alerted the Coast Guard and Health Department.