Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

11/27/2024

The amount of food consumed every year at Thanksgiving is actually associated with a large carbon footprint, according to experts.

Although Thanksgiving may be the holiday best known for indulging, there are ways to enjoy your favorite meal of the year while keeping the environment in mind.

Thanksgiving may be the holiday best known for indulging, but there are ways to enjoy your favorite meal of the year while keeping the environment in mind, experts say.

11/27/2024

These funds were used to complete a 30 acre timber stand improvement project on the Kentucky Ridge State Forest located in Bell County, Kentucky. Projects like these promote healthy forests in our state which in turn is beneficial to wildlife, including elk, deer, and turkey.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) would like to recognize the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for its grant of $10,500. These funds were used to complete a 30 acre timber stand improvement project on the Kentucky Ridge State Forest located in Bell County, Kentucky. Projects like these promote healthy forests in our state which in turn is beneficial to wildlife, including elk, deer, and turkey.
KDF would like the thank RMEF for this contribution and for the benefits it provides to the forests and wildlife of Kentucky. We are hopeful this partnership will continue into the future.

11/26/2024

Congratulations to Division for Air Quality’s Roberta Burnes, who received the 2024 M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator Award from the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education!
KAEE presented its Excellence in Environmental Education awards during its annual conference earlier this month in Morehead. According to KAEE, the award recipients, “have made remarkable contributions to the advancement of environmental education in Kentucky, and their impact is still ongoing.” We’re proud to have Roberta on and !

11/26/2024

Improving the state's water systems, collecting crucial data to protect Kentuckians, this story features EEC's Wesley Turner and the great work done by the Kentucky Division of Water.

Kentucky’s Division of Water protects water resources through various environmental monitoring programs and thermal drone imagery.

11/25/2024

Bundle up, Kentucky. Winter precipitation has many forms!

Every week WAVE 3 meteorologist Tawana Andrew breaks down what we know and what we don't about the climate and weather here in Louisville.

11/25/2024

We have numerous career opportunities available for those wanting to protect our state's most precious assets : Kentucky's natural resources and its people. https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/careers.aspx

11/22/2024

It's that time of year for decorating. Here's a way to decorate and do it sustainably!

11/22/2024

Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference in the Commonwealth? Check out this latest job opportunity!

Executive Director31020560

11/22/2024

If you’ve been to a local playground with a crumb rubber surface over the last 20 years, it’s very possible Lisa Evans had a hand in it. Read more about her and the great work she does in this latest story.

If you’ve been to a local playground with a crumb rubber surface over the last 20 years, it’s very possible Lisa Evans had a hand in it. Evans has worked with the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s C…

11/21/2024

The James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) have partnered with us and the State Energy Program to make the future of bourbon production more sustainable. Read more here https://uknow.uky.edu/research/uk-beam-institute-demonstrate-hydrogen-fueled-spirit-production

11/21/2024

This home has an estimated annual energy bill of $305. It features both interior and exterior insulation and generates energy through roof-top solar panels, reducing the home's need for additional energy by about 80%.

The house, dubbed "The Jenny," has been in development for several years and is expected to save its owner more than $3,000 per year in energy costs.

11/20/2024

Live near Fayette County? Holiday lights not shining so bright? Don’t throw them out. Bring them to a convenient location to be recycled!

Holiday lights cannot be recycled in your recycle cart, but Lexington’s Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works can take them through a special collection drive through Jan. 12, 2025.

If you're outside Lexington, check with your local solid waste office or local hardware store.

Holiday lights not shining so bright? Don’t throw them out. Bring them to a convenient location to be recycled. Holiday lights cannot be recycled in your recycle cart, but Lexington’s Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works can take them through a special collection drive through Ja...

11/20/2024

Now's a great time to start preparing for colder temperatures! Here are a couple tips from our Office of Energy Policy.

- Check your windows for draftiness, and add weather stripping or plastic sheeting if needed.
- Open up your blinds during the day to allow the sun to warm your home.
-Install a programmable thermostat.

Need more tips? Check out this video, which has tips for cutting down on energy usage and costs during the winter.

Winter is coming, which means utility bills are likely to increase as temperatures fall. The Kentucky Office of Energy Policy shares tips and resources for t...

11/19/2024

In case of snow this week, here's 8 sustainable alternatives to sidewalk and road salts.

When the snow starts falling, many communities send out the big trucks to dump loads of salts on roads. Many homeowners will also add salts to sidewalks to keep people safer from slip hazards. In the U.S., we use about 15 to 32 million metric tons of road salts per year. Road salts were first used i...

11/19/2024

With the possibility of us seeing our first flakes of the season later this week, many Kentuckians are stocking up on salt to keep our roads clear. Are you ready for the winter weather?
Remember these helpful tips from Ready.Gov to be

1) Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out.
2) Keep your gas tank as full as you can. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing.
3)Consider keeping a power bank for your phone in your car in case your car loses power.

With the possibility of us seeing our first flakes of the season later this week, many Kentuckians are stocking up on salt to keep our roads clear.

11/18/2024

Attention December graduates: we’re looking for interns! We’re currently accepting applications for positions in our legal division, water infrastructure branch, Office of Nature Preserves and more. Learn more about open positions here: https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/careers.aspx

11/18/2024

Need a car wash after a weekend of adventures?

You can find car wash and other cleaners that are Safer Choice-certified for outdoor use. These products meet additional EPA criteria to help protect the environment.

Find a full list of products on EPA’s webpage by selecting “products with outdoor uses”
www.epa.gov/saferchoice/products

11/15/2024

This fall, Kentucky Office of the State Entomologist found the invasive Spotted Lanternfly in Boone and Kenton counties, after first detecting its presence in Kentucky last year. You can report sightings of the spotted lanternfly and other invasive pests by sending an email to [email protected].

We first found Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in Gallatin County in October 2023 thanks to an observant landowner. This fall, we have official confirmation of SLF in Boone and Kenton Counties and anticipate additional counties.