State of Kentucky Archives: on Energy & Oil
Charles Booker:
Climate crisis is great economic opportunity for Kentucky
Make no mistake, we are in a state of emergency. I believe addressing the climate crisis is not only one of the greatest imperatives of our time, but also one of the greatest economic opportunities for Kentucky.
Further, addressing environmental injustice and racism is critical to protecting our families and our livelihood. That is why I'm an enthusiastic supporter of the Green New Deal, and why I've signed the No Fossil Fuel Dollars pledge.
Our country has a desperate need right now for clean, renewable energy that doesn't contribute to global climate change. Kentucky coal miners have supplied the country with energy for generations and have been left high and dry as a result.
There is no reason Kentucky can't be on the forefront of supplying the nation with clean, renewable energy for generations to come, and enjoy the reliable jobs that come with it.
Source: KFTC.org on 2022 Kentucky Senate race
Mar 16, 2021
Charles Booker:
Reclaim old coal land; black lung benefits for miners
Coal miners and coal communities deserve respect. That means that we need leaders who recognize what the people and communities of coal-producing regions like Eastern Kentucky and Western Kentucky have given to our country.
It also means that we must take much-needed steps to protect the land and water and create economic opportunities in coal country. I am a proponent of legislation such as the RECLAIM Act and ensuring funding for black lung benefits for our miners.
Source: KFTC.org on 2022 Kentucky Senate race
Mar 16, 2021
Charles Booker:
Refers to Green New Deal as "Kentucky New Deal"
Booker's bid from the left, touting his support for the Green New Deal (which he referred to as the "Kentucky New Deal"), universal basic income and "Medicare for All," drew the support of progressive leaders from across the country.
He emerged as a national voice during protests over police brutality and racial injustice following the police killings of George Floyd in Minnesota and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky.
Source: CNN coverage of 2022 Kentucky Senate race
Mar 15, 2021
Mitch McConnell:
Supported withdrawal from Paris climate agreement
Q: Tax or regulate greenhouse emissions and support renewable energy?Mitch McConnell: No. Supported withdrawal from Paris climate agreement, saying it would "handcuff" the U.S. economy; opposed Obama's Clean Power Plan.
Refused to extend solar and wind subsidies.
Amy McGrath: Yes to renewables; unclear on regulation. Invest in infrastructure to support alternatives to coal jobs. Expanded solar and wind will reduce electricity costs and "bring energy-related jobs."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Amy McGrath:
Climate change: wars will fought over water, resources
We are seeing hurricanes, floods, and fires in ways we've never seen before. Large parts of the world (the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia) are experiencing dramatic desertification at an alarming rate. This means less food will be produced and
large migrations of people will be forced out of the lands they occupy today. In the 20th century, we fought wars over values or economic clashes. In the 21st century, it will be over water and resources. We need leaders that get it.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
Charles Booker:
Kentucky should lead the way to a green new deal
Charles is a father to two girls and wants to build a future in which they thrive. That means addressing the climate crisis by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases, and building the economy on clean, renewable sources of
energy.˙ Charles supports a Green New Deal, and believes that Kentucky--one of the largest coal-producing states in the country, and one whose economy has been rocked by the decline of the fossil fuel industry--must take the lead.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website BookerForKentucky.com
Jun 17, 2020
Steven Cox:
Supports Green New Deal
Preserve Our Future: Climate change and trickle up economics threaten our children's future.
We can offer them a Green New Deal and build a world worth looking forward to.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate website CoxForUS.com
Feb 6, 2020
Andy Beshear:
Climate change is real; develop renewables
Climate Change: Consider human-caused climate change a serious threat?Beshear : Yes. "Climate change is real, but you don't have to take my word for it, ask any farmer here in Kentucky or ask the
U.S. Military which is preparing for it each & every day." Unclear on specific greenhouse gas regulations.
Bevin: No. "The idea that somehow we created this solely & need to fix it solely is an absolutely preposterous assumption of the authority & power of man as related to the planet."
Renewable Energy: Support development of renewable energy?
Beshear: Need to diversify & include "as many renewables as possible." Specific renewables plan not found.
Bevin: No. Opposes tax-payer subsidies of renewables; calls powering the world through them "unrealistic."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Guide on 2019 Kentucky Governor race
Nov 1, 2019
Matt Bevin:
Don't subsidize renewables; we didn't cause climate change
Climate Change: Consider human-caused climate change a serious threat?Beshear : Yes. "Climate change is real, but you don't have to take my word for it, ask any farmer here in Kentucky or ask the
U.S. Military which is preparing for it each & every day." Unclear on specific greenhouse gas regulations.
Bevin: No. "The idea that somehow we created this solely & need to fix it solely is an absolutely preposterous assumption of the authority & power of man as related to the planet."
Renewable Energy: Support development of renewable energy?
Beshear: Need to diversify & include "as many renewables as possible." Specific renewables plan not found.
Bevin: No. Opposes tax-payer subsidies of renewables; calls powering the world through them "unrealistic."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Guide on 2019 Kentucky Governor race
Nov 1, 2019
Steven Cox:
Save the world from the climatocalypse
Q: What would be your top three priorities, if elected?- Medicare for all
- Saving the world from the climatocalypse.
- Reinforcing ethics and transparency as a cornerstone of public service.
Q: What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
A: The risk of the climatocalypse.
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection: 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Sep 9, 2019
Robert Goforth:
Opposes raising electric costs
Q: Do you believe that we have an obligation and opportunity to act on climate change? What actions would you take to ensure that solutions, such as clean energy jobs and reducing high energy bills, benefit all Kentuckians?
A: We must balance our ecology and economy; and be realistic.˙ Poor Kentuckians need heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.˙ I am not for pursuing policies that cause electric bills to skyrocket and endanger many people.
Source: KFTC.org on 2019 Kentucky Gubernatorial race
Aug 7, 2019
Steven Cox:
We need to find a system better than fossil fuels
What we have right now is a system where the dollar is supported by fossil fuels. That is why there is such a push-back when it comes to switching over to clean energy, being green, and using renewable resources. Fossil fuels are what maintain and give
the United States Dollar its value. We have to find a better system to invest in, because this may be the point where we can't rely on that. If we are late to the party, then there will be another nation that rises to that occasion.
Source: Max Micallef on Medium.com on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Jul 18, 2019
Steven Cox:
We need to find a system better than fossil fuels
What we have right now is a system where the dollar is supported by fossil fuels. That is why there is such a push-back when it comes to switching over to clean energy, being green, and using renewable resources. Fossil fuels are what maintain
and give the United States Dollar its value. We have to find a better system to invest in, because this may be the point where we can't rely on that. If we are late to the party, then there will be another nation that rises to that occasion.
Source: Medium.com on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Jul 18, 2019
Steven Cox:
We need to find a better investment than fossil fuels
What we have right now is a system where the dollar is supported by fossil fuels. That is why there is such a push-back when it comes to switching over to clean energy, being green, and using renewable resources. Fossil fuels are what maintain and give
the United States Dollar its value. We have to find a better system to invest in, because this may be the point where we can't rely on that. If we are late to the party, then there will be another nation that rises to that occasion.
Source: The Student Post on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Jun 23, 2019
Andy Beshear:
Focus on "all-of-the-above" and low utility bills
Climate change is real, and Kentucky needs an all-the-above energy policy that includes renewables and clean-coal technology.
At the same time, one of the biggest challenges our Kentucky families face, especially in the eastern part of the state, is that their energy bills go up year after year, while good jobs are hard to find and wages remain flat.
Kentucky families shouldn't have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their utility bills. Unfortunately, that's a decision many families have to make.
As attorney general over the last three years, my office has opposed dozens of utility bill hikes, and has helped save Kentucky families nearly $1.2 billion.
Source: 2019 Kentucky Gubernatorial campaign website AndyBeshear.com
May 2, 2019
Adam Edelen:
Jobs for out-of-work coal miners in renewable energy
Edelen touted his work as a renewable energy developer. He said he's this year he will break ground on the largest solar installation in Kentucky by ten times, and it will bring $130 million in capital investment,
creating jobs for out-of-work coal miners. "Folks, if we can create opportunity in the forgotten places using renewable energy, why can't we do it right here in Louisville? Why can't we create the jobs of the future?"
Source: Insider Louisville blog on 2019 Kentucky governor's race
Apr 26, 2019
Matt Bevin:
Allow utilities to pay customers less for excess solar power
SB100: Require the Public Service Commission to set the compensation rate for eligible customer-generators.Analysis by the Lexington Herald-Leader: A controversial bill sought by major utility companies that could make rooftop solar
panels less lucrative for homeowners will require the Kentucky PSC to determine the rates at which residential solar customers are compensated by utilities for selling their excess power back to the grid, a practice known as "net metering." Currently,
utilities must pay the same rate for excess power as they charge residential customers. The Kentucky Solar Industries Association immediately called on Bevin to veto the bill: "Monopolies won today. It is a blow to every Kentuckian who wants to choose
solar as his or her energy provider."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-12-2 on Feb/13/19; Passed House 55-36-9 on Mar/14/19; Signed by Governor Matt Bevin on Mar/26/19
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader on Kentucky voting records SB100
Mar 26, 2019
Charles Booker:
No on utilities paying customers less for excess solar power
SB100: Require the Public Service Commission to set the compensation rate for eligible customer-generators.Analysis by the Lexington Herald-Leader: A controversial bill sought by major utility companies that could make rooftop solar
panels less lucrative for homeowners will require the Kentucky PSC to determine the rates at which residential solar customers are compensated by utilities for selling their excess power back to the grid, a practice known as "net metering." Currently,
utilities must pay the same rate for excess power as they charge residential customers. The Kentucky Solar Industries Association immediately called on Bevin to veto the bill: "Monopolies won today. It is a blow to every Kentuckian who wants to choose
solar as his or her energy provider."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-12-2 on Feb/13/19; Passed House 55-36-9 on Mar/14/19; State Rep. Charles Booker voted NO; Signed by Governor Matt Bevin on Mar/26/19
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader on Kentucky voting records SB100
Mar 14, 2019
Robert Goforth:
Allow utilities to pay customers less for excess solar power
SB100: Require the Public Service Commission to set the compensation rate for eligible customer-generators.Analysis by the Lexington Herald-Leader: A controversial bill sought by major utility companies that could make rooftop solar
panels less lucrative for homeowners will require the Kentucky PSC to determine the rates at which residential solar customers are compensated by utilities for selling their excess power back to the grid, a practice known as "net metering." Currently,
utilities must pay the same rate for excess power as they charge residential customers. The Kentucky Solar Industries Association immediately called on Bevin to veto the bill: "Monopolies won today. It is a blow to every Kentuckian who wants to choose
solar as his or her energy provider."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-12-2 on Feb/13/19; Passed House 55-36-9 on Mar/14/19; State Rep. Robert Goforth voted YES; Signed by Governor Matt Bevin on Mar/26/19
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader on Kentucky voting records SB100
Mar 14, 2019
Rocky Adkins:
No on utilities paying customers less for excess solar power
SB100: Require the Public Service Commission to set the compensation rate for eligible customer-generators.Analysis by the Lexington Herald-Leader: A controversial bill sought by major utility companies that could make rooftop solar
panels less lucrative for homeowners will require the Kentucky PSC to determine the rates at which residential solar customers are compensated by utilities for selling their excess power back to the grid, a practice known as "net metering." Currently,
utilities must pay the same rate for excess power as they charge residential customers. The Kentucky Solar Industries Association immediately called on Bevin to veto the bill: "Monopolies won today. It is a blow to every Kentuckian who wants to choose
solar as his or her energy provider."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-12-2 on Feb/13/19; Passed House 55-36-9 on Mar/14/19; Kentucky House Minority Leader Rocky Adkins voted NO; Signed by Governor Matt Bevin on Mar/26/19
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader on Kentucky voting records SB100
Mar 14, 2019
Matt Bevin:
Stand up for coal; we have hundreds of years of supply
Bevin said of coal, "The energy landscape is changing but guess what: We have hundreds of years of an incredible resource that still provides the cheapest and most reliable electricity in America and in the world. And we sit on an abundant supply of
it." He urged Kentuckians to protest the planned closure of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Paradise Unit 3. He said the closure of the coal-fired generator would hurt every community in the state and make Kentucky less competitive.
Source: Press release on Kentucky 2019 State of the State address
Feb 9, 2019
Adam Edelen:
Install solar panels on reclaimed surface mines
Edelen is trying to position himself as the businessman in the contest. In April 2017, Edelen and other business partners announced they were studying the possibility of installing tens of thousands of solar panels on a reclaimed surface mine in
Pike County. He said that the project is expected to move forward in Eastern Kentucky in the coming weeks, and said a commitment to renewable energy could help bring jobs to the state."Let me say something that no candidate for Kentucky governor ever
has, though every farmer and hunter knows it to be true," Edelen said. "Climate change is real and so are the thousands of jobs that can be created fighting it."
That project was one of many appeals Edelen made to the progressive base of the
Democratic Party in the aftermath of his upset loss to state Auditor Mike Harmon in 2015. He also toured the state proclaiming a message that the Kentucky Democratic Party must find a way to appeal to rural voters who have fled to the Republican Party.
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader on 2019 Kentucky gubernatorial race
Jan 7, 2019
Adam Edelen:
Climate change is real; renewables key to tomorrow's jobs
Kentucky is losing business and jobs because we have resisted Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards. Time after time, Kentucky is passed over from outside investment from companies committed to growing in states who have embraced renewable energy,
costing us the 21st century jobs we desperately need.A bold initiative and private industry know-how in renewable energies, like solar, hydro and wind, will place Kentucky on track to capture the new investment and jobs that currently pass us by.
It's past time for Kentucky to commit to renewable energy, but it's not too late. Climate change is real and renewable energy is key to securing tomorrow's jobs.
By retrofitting our government facilities to capture inexpensive and providing the
incentives for energy audits as soon as possible, renewable energy that costs pennies compared to what our local government facilities now pay we can decrease the expense of government and pass the savings on to taxpayers.
Source: 2019 Kentucky governor campaign website AdamEdelen.com
Dec 31, 2018
Rocky Adkins:
Fund energy research; increase energy savings
In a 2007 special legislative session Adkins sponsored the "Energy Independence National Leadership Act" that he said brought a considerable amount of energy research work to the
Universities of Kentucky and Louisville, and triggered a sharp increase in the number of energy-saving schools in the state.
Source: Louisville Courier-Journal on Kentucky voting records
Nov 14, 2018
James Comer:
War on coal is a war on Kentucky's economy
For far too long, President Obama's Environmental Protection Agency has been waging a war on coal. That's a war being waged on Kentucky's families and our economy. First, they attempted to set regulations on new power plants, which essentially required
zero carbon emissions on power plants. The only technology that can meet zero carbon emissions is not proven, so this regulation essentially prohibits coal-fired electricity, on which so many Kentucky businesses rely.After the new power plant rule,
Obama's EPA turned their war on coal onto existing power plants. The existing power plant rule under the Clean Air Act requires unachievable regulations and as a result, it will shut down coal-fired electricity plants around the nation,
jeopardizing affordable energy and reliability. We need a representative in Washington that can challenge these regulations to ensure Kentucky's coal industry is able to thrive again.
Source: 2016 Kentucky House campaign website JamesComer.com
Nov 8, 2016
C. Wesley Morgan:
No state funding for either renewables or traditional energy
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?A: No.
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
A: No.
Q:
Do you support state funding for improvements to Kentucky's energy infrastructure?
A: No.
Q: Do you support government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
A: No.
Q: Do you support increased regulations of the fracking industry?
A: No.
Source: Kentucky State Legislative 2016 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2016
Jim Gray:
Let's stop mining? No, invest in coal's future
Coal once fueled the economy of Kentucky as it fueled the homes and businesses of America. Today, it's a different story: Our state is struggling because the coal industry is struggling--and it has been for a long time. Kentucky deserves a senator
that's going to fight for what's right for Kentucky and tell the truth. The combination of competition, a changing energy market and the power plan has hurt Kentucky families. That's the truth.
The economic rug has been pulled out from under many
Kentucky families regardless if they worked directly in the mines. Mining jobs provide an enormous economic benefit to the entire state's economy. And after more than 200 years, it's part of our heritage and history. So it's not part of my
DNA to say 'let's stop mining'. That's not the solution and it's just not feasible.
As energy markets shift we must fight to be sure coal is a bridge to the future. We CAN make a difference and invest in coal's future.
Source: 2016 Kentucky Senate campaign website GrayForKentucky.com
Sep 9, 2016
Jim Gray:
Fund clean coal via Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology has the potential to make the use of coal cleaner and compliant with environmental protection regulations. Unfortunately, CCS technology has been neglected by policymakers in Washington. In this year's budget
request, President Obama only asked for $600 million for the Fossil Energy program, a 5.1% decrease since last year.We need a bold national plan to renew our efforts to develop CCS technology. When we make coal clean, we can increase demand
and revitalize the coal industry and the regions where it's based while also taking steps to protect our outdoors. Here are a few important steps we need to take to start making coal work for the environment and avoid needless job loss.
-
Increase research and development funding for CCS.
- Support private sector pilot projects.
- Give tax incentives for CCS.
- Make the best use of existing programs.
- Support Sen. Heidi Heitkamp's bipartisan bill to support CCS.
Source: 2016 Kentucky Senate campaign website GrayForKentucky.com
Sep 9, 2016
Jack Conway:
Maintain low energy rates by protecting coal economy
Kentucky's historically low energy rates are a critical economic asset that provides opportunities for our Commonwealth to attract businesses. As Kentucky's next Governor, Jack will continue fighting for Kentucky coal and its coal miners. Jack will fight
to prevent the EPA from implementing policies that could cripple Kentucky's economy and hinder job growth.Jack Conway is a leader in protecting Kentucky's coal economy. In 2013, Jack joined a bipartisan group of 26 other state Attorneys General and
filed an Amicus Brief requesting the U.S. Supreme Court prevent the EPA from revoking coal permits after it revoked the permit of an operating coal mine, forcing it to shut down.
In 2015, Jack and 11 other state Attorneys General petitioned a Federal
Court to force the EPA to halt its regulation designed to shut down currently operating coal-fired power plants. He believes the EPA is violating the Clean Air Act by not allowing Kentucky to develop its own plan to reduce emissions.
Source: 2015 Kentucky Governor campaign website, ConwayOverly.com
Aug 11, 2015
Matt Bevin:
Fight against EPA's relentless attacks on the coal industry
Our administration will aggressively fight against the EPA's war on the energy sector in Kentucky, particularly the relentless attacks on the coal industry. As Governor,
I will exercise, to the fullest extent of the law, our state's constitutional rights and sovereignty. For example, I will refuse to enforce federal regulations that are in opposition to our own state interests.
Source: 2015 Kentucky Gubernatorial campaign website, MattBevin.com
Aug 11, 2015
Mitch McConnell:
I blocked the passage of Obama's cap-and-trade
[McConnell said at a debate]: "Secretary Grimes, if I may, Congress didn't pass what the president's doing [on coal]. We defeated it, when your party controlled both the House and the Senate by large majorities."Grimes blamed McConnell for lost
coal jobs, but he fired back that he was actually able to block the passage of cap-and-trade legislation when Democrats had a super majority of 60 votes in the Senate and it was a top presidential priority. He suggested that Obama is using executive
orders because of his deft maneuvering in the Senate.
The challenge for McConnell is making sure that the swing voters left in this race do not see him as part of the problem in Washington.McConnell says he's not a scientist and
doesn't know for sure if global warming is a problem. Grimes said, "I recognize, unlike Sen. McConnell, the realities of climate change, but I do believe we have to take a balanced approach."
Source: Politico.com on 2014 Kentucky Senate debate
Oct 14, 2014
Alison Grimes:
Balanced approach to deal with global warming
On climate change, Grimes said she believes the Earth is warming. "You know Mitch McConnell and I differ on this," Grimes said. "He still wants to argue with the scientists."She then called for a "balanced" approach to dealing with climate change
while preserving Kentucky's coal jobs.
The McConnell campaign responded to the interview in a statement, saying that the "Whether it was entertaining the legalization of recreational drug use, endorsing climate change or supporting gun control
efforts at gun shows, she sounded exactly like the kind of partisan Obama loyalist that has been attacking Kentucky in Washington for the last six years," said a McConnell campaign spokeswoman.
During the interview, Grimes said she disagrees with Obama on "many issues." "Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell is the only one that doesn't realize that," Grimes said.
Source: Lexington Herald Leader on 2014 Kentucky Senate race
Sep 25, 2014
Mitch McConnell:
AdWatch: Fights EPA regulation on coal production
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is running an ad this week backing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., highlighting his challenges to the Environmental Protection Agency over regulations on coal production."A fighter who
never lets Kentucky down," the Chamber says of McConnell in the ad that is airing now through Dec. 12 at a cost of $181,500, according to the latest report from the FEC.
Source: Huffington Post AdWatch on 2014 Kentucky Senate race
Dec 5, 2013
Alison Grimes:
Rely heavily on domestic coal, oil and natural gas
Developing Kentucky's energy will provide financial security to families across the state. Kentucky is leading the way in domestic energy development and the industry holds tremendous potential to grow our economy, create middle-class jobs and lower
energy costs for families across the state. But Washington's regulatory barriers and burdensome taxes threaten this critical development in Kentucky.I strongly oppose President Obama's attack on Kentucky's energy industry.
This Administration has taken direct aim at Kentucky's coal industry, crippling our state's largest source of domestic energy and threatening thousands of jobs.
We must secure America's energy independence and reduce our dependence on
Middle Eastern oil. Our nation's energy approach should rely heavily on coal, oil and natural gas, along with alternative sources of energy. Kentucky will lead this effort through continued coal production and exploration and development of natural gas.
Source: Secretary of State campaign website, alisonforkentucky.com
Dec 31, 2012
Steve Beshear:
To Washington: Get off our backs! about coal
And in Lexington we're working with federal partners to construct a national research laboratory that will develop and market advanced battery technologies for cars of the future. The center complements the comprehensive energy plan we put forth two year
ago focusing on energy efficiencies... expanded alternative and renewable energies... and clean use of Kentucky coal. Coal provides 90 percent of our electricity and--because our rates are low--has helped us build a robust manufacturing industry. But all
that is in jeopardy because Washington bureaucrats continue to try to impose arbitrary and unreasonable regulations on the mining of coal. To them I say "Get off our backs!" I will fight you for the right to cleanly and safely mine coal. I will fight you
on behalf of 18,000 Kentucky coal miners who are working to feed their families. And I will fight you to keep this nation strong by supplying it with the energy it needs to remain the beacon of democracy in a troubled world.
Source: 2011 Kentucky State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
Jack Conway:
Protect coal even under cap-and-trade
PAUL: We now have an EPA that is writing rules, saying, "If Congress doesn't pass greenhouse emissions testing, we will simply do it on our own."CONWAY: I'm against cap and trade, too. Always have been.
Q: Well, that's not true. You supported the
Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill back in 2009.
CONWAY: No, I didn't. I have said I'm always going to protect coal and I'm always going to protect electricity. I did not support Waxman-Markey. And I even took on the EPA.
I filed a lawsuit against the EPA when they were doing just what Dr. Paul was describing.
PAUL: In June 2009 you issued a statement saying you supported the cap-and-trade bill and you were confident it could be reformed.
You said you wanted to be part of the negotiated compromise.
CONWAY: I've been consistent in my position saying I'm going to stand up for Kentucky coal. I'm going to make certain we keep our electricity rates low.
Source: Fox News Sunday, 2010 Kentucky Senate debate
Oct 3, 2010
Rand Paul:
Unelected EPA should not regulate greenhouse emissions
Q: Dr. Paul, you believe the government should stay out of the private sector. You said, "Get rid of regulations. Get the EPA out of our coal business down here. Get OSHA out of our small businesses." Is there no role for government in protecting our
environment?PAUL: It's a combination of federal, state and local regulations. Which way do we want to shift the debate. Do we want more federal or more local? We now have an EPA that is writing rules, saying, "If Congress doesn't pass greenhouse
emissions testing, we will simply do it on our own." I think the arrogance of unelected bureaucrats to say that they create law needs to come to an end. We need to say to unelected bureaucrats, "You do not make regulations. You do not write regulations."
CONWAY: I'm against cap and trade, too. Always have been.
Q: Well, that's not true. You supported the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill back in 2009.
CONWAY: No, I didn't. I have said I'm always going to protect coal.
Source: Fox News Sunday, 2010 Kentucky Senate debate
Oct 3, 2010
Jack Conway:
Coal yes; cap-and-trade no
Coal is a part of Kentucky that Conway says is important. "I'm against Cap and Trade," said Conway. "Always have been against Cap and Trade. I've been consistent on this issue.
I worked for an energy governor. I've chaired energy task forces. I know that coal needs to be an important part of energy generation into the future."
Source: WBKO coverage of 2010 Kentucky Senate debate
Aug 24, 2010
Bruce Lunsford:
Expand drilling; draw strategic reserve; plus alternatives
Republican incumbent Sen. Mitch McConnell touched on the debate over domestic oil drilling, which has been a hot-button issue in the campaign for US Senate. “In order to solve this problem, we have to do everything.
We have to both find more and use less,” said McConnell, the Senate’s top-ranking Republican. McConnell also mentioned coal-to-liquid fuels, nuclear technology and even electric cars. “We’re not too many years away from the time when we’ll be plugging in
our cars and trucks for the night,“ he said.Bruce Lunsford said his energy plan includes expanded drilling, alternative fuels and drawing from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve to lower gas prices. Lunsford said
Republicans are pushing for expanded drilling because it is favored by the oil industry. ”What the Republicans have done led by Mitch McConnell is they have been industry-driven for every solution, because that’s who butters their bread,“ Lunsford said.
Source: 2008 Kentucky Senate debate reported by AP, in Forbes Mag.
Sep 6, 2008
Mitch McConnell:
Supports coal-to-liquid fuels, nuclear tech, & electric cars
Republican incumbent Sen. Mitch McConnell touched on the debate over domestic oil drilling, which has been a hot-button issue in the campaign for US Senate. “In order to solve this problem, we have to do everything.
We have to both find more and use less,” said McConnell, the Senate’s top-ranking Republican. McConnell also mentioned coal-to-liquid fuels, nuclear technology and even electric cars. “We’re not too many years away from the time when we’ll be plugging in
our cars and trucks for the night,“ he said.Bruce Lunsford said his energy plan includes expanded drilling, alternative fuels and drawing from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve to lower gas prices. Lunsford said
Republicans are pushing for expanded drilling because it is favored by the oil industry. ”What the Republicans have done led by Mitch McConnell is they have been industry-driven for every solution, because that’s who butters their bread,“ Lunsford said.
Source: 2008 Kentucky Senate debate reported by AP, in Forbes Mag.
Sep 6, 2008
Mitch McConnell:
Has clout to implement GOP solutions for high gas prices
Throughout the forum, McConnell returned over and over to three themes--energy, clout and what he said was Lunsford’s allegiance to the AFL-CIO. He said the labor organization is diametrically opposed to the interests of the farm bureau.
McConnell said that Republicans have the best solutions for high gas prices and that as Senate minority leader he can get more done than a freshman Democrat. And he said that the labor unions supporting Lunsford would control him in
Washington. “I’m not there to do the bidding of organized labor like my opponent,” McConnell said. “If they deliver for him, believe me, he’ll deliver for them.”
Afterward, Lunsford said that he has met with the
AFL-CIO and other labor groups and that he has no problem with any of the issues they asked him to support. But he said he isn’t under the union’s thumb. “I don’t think I’ll be a puppet for anyone,” he said.
Source: 2008 Kentucky Senate debate reported in Courier-Journal
Aug 21, 2008
Bruce Lunsford:
Double oil production by developing 70M federal acres
I support legislation recently proposed by Rep. John Yarmuth. His creative solution to increase domestic oil production will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and hold Big Oil accountable for failing to develop nearly
70 million acres of federal land they’re not using. This could double domestic oil production if tapped. It’s time we hold Big Oil accountable for their actions...or inactions in this case.
Source: 2008 Kentucky Senate Debate on Political Base website
Jun 18, 2008
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021