EcoEKY: Green News from Eastern Kentucky

The following is a press release from Sustainable Table, a national non-profit located in New York. However, the info in the press release is applicable to Appalachian Kentucky, as well as the rest of the US. Also, you can use their Eat Well Guide (www.eatwellguide.org) to search for and find farms and farmers markets in southeastern Kentucky as well as elsewhere. A quick search for an e. KY zipcode turned up 2 farms and 11 markets within 50 miles: previously unknown sources of local food. Check it out:

From Today's Rose Garden Speech...President Bush Said...

"We are deeply concerned about food prices here at home"

"Creative policy is to Buy food from local farmers"


New York City-April 29, 2008-Sustainable Table fully supports the creative solution suggested today by President Bush to buy food from local farmers as a means for communities to be more self sustaining. The nonprofit program adds that purchasing sustainably-raised local food is the best option for all Americans.

"Sustainable Table agrees with President Bush's statement made today that large subsidies to multimillionaire farmers should be cut," said Diane Hatz, Founder/Director of Sustainable Table. "We also think people should buy locally grown, sustainably produced food from small family farmers because it can save people money since it does not have to be shipped long distances, and saves consumers the added costs of transportation, which has helped make the price of food skyrocket because of the rising costs of oil and energy."

Hatz also offered other benefits to eating locally:

· Better tasting food -There's less time from the field to your dinner plate, meaning the food is fresher and is picked when ripe.

· Supports local communities - Money spent on local food is put back into the community. For example, the farmer you buy your tomatoes from will then go to the local diner, barber, hardware store, and put that money back into the local community, thus helping to strengthen the local economy

· Helps save family farms - According to Farm Aid, every week 330 farmers leave their land. By purchasing local food, you'll be supporting local farmers, thus helping them stay in business.

Today's industrial form of agriculture is funded by tax payer subsidies which can push small, family farmers out of business and pollute the environment. That's why it is better for people to purchase foods grown locally, on sustainable family farms or at farmers markets.

Spring is here, and more and more farmers markets are sprouting up in communities across America. One way to support local farmers and save money is to go to farmers markets to purchase as much locally grown, sustainably produced food as possible. The Eat Well Guide, a project of Sustainable Table, can help direct you to farmers markets in your area, as well as farms, stores, restaurants, and other outlets where you can purchase locally grown foods.

If you'd like to know what foods are in season in your area, visit Sustainable Table's Eat Seasonal page.

And look to Sustainable Kitchen to find recipes to that you can pair with food you might find at your neighborhood farmers markets.

Sustainable Table is a New York based non-profit group that celebrates the sustainable food movement, educates consumers on food related issues, and works to build community through food.


For more information contact:
Denise Hughes @ 917.549.2621,
Or, Denise@creative-connectors.com


www.SustainableTable.org

###

from the Harlan Daily Enterprise:

JOHN MIDDLETON/Harlan Daily Enterprise
Wal-Mart assistant manager Ross Everage presented a check in the amount of $500 to Harlan County 4-H agent Raymond Cox during the annual Earth Day festivities Thursday.


Trees distributed as part of Earth Day celebration

By JOHN MIDDLETON
Staff Writer
Published:
Friday, April 25, 2008 1:15 AM CDT

Residents from around Harlan County traveled to Wal-Mart on Thursday to pick up trees that were given away as part of an annual Earth Day celebration.

Hundreds of people waited in line outside of the building to receive one of the hundreds of black oak, red oak, black walnut, redbud and white dogwood trees that were donated by the Harlan County 4-H Club, Harlan County Conservation District, Kentucky Division of Forestry and Wal-Mart.

“We have tree seedlings here to give to everybody,” said Susan Mavinidis of the Harlan County Conservation District. “We are hoping they will go home and plant them and beautify their home and Harlan County.”

Raymond Cox, a 4-H agent with the Harlan County Extension Office, said he was happy to see the trees given to citizens who will plant them around the county.

*
“We will be giving away about 1,000 trees today,” Cox said. “If they take the trees and set them out in their community, we will have some more of these beautiful trees that you see around on these mountains.”

During the event, Wal-Mart donated a $500 check to the Harlan County 4-H Camp.

“We raised $500 that we are going to donate to 4H camp to kick off the tree event,” said Wal-Mart assistant manager Ross Everage. “We wanted to participate with them this year and actively be involved in the event.

“We hope it will show people that Wal-Mart is trying our best to be a part of the community here in Harlan.”

Wal-Mart also raised $550 that was used to purchase trees for the event.

“People can plant these trees around their homes and restore the environment,” Everage said. “We want to do our best to give back to the community.”

Bob Kelly of the Kentucky Division of Forestry said the trees that were given away would help the county in the future.

“This helps our tree production through the years,” Kelly said. “It’s good for the environment.”

In addition to the trees, a Yard Machine riding lawnmower was given away. The mower was won by Donnie Ray Lewis, of Evarts.

Officials said the were pleased with the turnout for the event.

To conclude the festivities, a tree was planted behind the Wal-Mart building. Everage said employees will look after the tree as it grows in the upcoming years.

from the Ashland Daily Independent:

Energy event scheduled in Morehead

Published: April 24, 2008 11:23 pm

Morehead — The Kentucky Green Energy Roadshow, offered through a partnership between the Kentucky Solar Energy Partnership, Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest and the Kentucky Solar Energy Society, will offer workshops about renewable energy and energy efficiency from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Morehead State University.

Experts will discuss issues, including environmentally friendly building design and construction, application of energy efficiency and conservation in the home and business and renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind and hydro power. The event will include a discussion about state policies and incentives needed to accelerate the use of sustainable energy and building practices. There will be booths and exhibits demonstrating renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

Events will be in Room 111 of Rader Hall. Lunch is included in the $20 registration fee. For more information, visit www.kysolar.org or call (888) 576-6527.

from the Ashland Daily Independent:

Trees by the sack

Wurtland students prepare seedlings for ‘Project Earth’

By MIKE JAMES
The Independent

Published: April 24, 2008 10:43 pm

WURTLAND — A white pine seedling isn’t much to look at, being only a few inches long with scraggly brown roots.

But they grow fast enough that in a few years they’re head-high. Executives from the duPont plant in Wurtland came to Wurtland Middle School on Thursday with enough of the seedlings for all 330 students, plus their teachers, and a few more for an outdoor classroom the students plan to construct.

“We hope they’ll take them home and plant them. We’re trying to be a good neighbor,” said plant manager Tim Albert. “These kids are the future. Some of them are the folks that will work at the plant in a decade or so.”

Dupont purchased the trees from the Kentucky Division of Forestry and donated them to the school. The seedlings come in bags the size of feed sacks, 100 to the bag.

Students helped teachers separate the seedlings and carefully wrap the roots in wet paper towels.

“This is a good way to learn how to put a diaper on a baby,” said Skyler Nichols, a sixth-grader.

He is looking forward to taking a tree home to plant, because he still has the one he received in a similar giveaway when he was in second grade. That tree now is between eight and 10 feet tall.

“I like this idea because it helps put out more oxygen,” Skyler said. “Since people cut down all kinds of trees, this is a good way to replant them so they don’t all disappear.”

Some of the trees will end up in the outdoor classroom, which is the brainchild of Wurtland’s seventh- and eighth-grade community problem solving team, said team adviser Lori Newman. Dubbed “Project Earth,” the classroom was conceived as a tool to raise awareness of environmentally friendly practices, she said.

It will include habitats for butterflies and bluebirds, planting beds for vegetables or botanical projects, an erosion station to demonstrate the effect of water dripping on limestone, and lots of flowers, shrubs and trees.

MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2652.

More information (including how/when to register and directions) at the Kentucky Solar Partnership website: http://www.kysolar.org/roadshow_2008.htm.


Morehead, April 26th
Morehead State University
Rader Hall, Rm. 111

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:

8:30 – 9:00 am
Registration

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

9:00 – 9:15 am
Setting Priorities for Efficiency, Conservation, and Renewables in Your Home or Business
Andy McDonald, Ky Solar Partnership

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

9:15 – 10:15 am
Principles of Energy Efficient, Green Home Construction
Robert Fehr, UK Extension Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

10:15 – 10:30 am
Break

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

10:30 – 11:15 am
Gone Solar in Morehead – One Man’s Story
Michael Campbell, Morehead Resident

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

11:15 – 12:00 pm
Case Study: A Green Office Building in Cincinnati Earns LEED Gold Certification
Steve Melink, Owner, Melink Corporation

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12:00 – 12:30 pm
Lunch Pick-Up

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12:30 – 1:15 pm
Policies & Incentives that Support Renewables and Efficiency:
A Panel Discussion On Federal & State Programs
Speakers To Be Announced

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1:15 – 1:30 pm
Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant and Guaranteed Loan Programs for Small Business
Scott Maas, USDA – Rural Development

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1:30 – 1:45 pm
EKPC at the Crossroads: A Report on Potential Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs for East Ky Power Cooperative
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth/Kentucky Environmental Foundation/Sierra Club

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1:45 – 2:45
Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics
Matt Partymiller, Solar Energy Solutions

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2:45 – 3:00
Break

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3:00 – 4:00
Solar Water Heating Systems
Jason Streit, Kentucky Solar Living

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4:00 – 4:15
Renewable Energy Credits & Green Tags
Bob Fairchild, Soft Energy Associates

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4:15 – 5:00
Wind, Hydro, and Biomass Energy Resources in Kentucky
Bob Fairchild, Soft Energy Associates

..........

from the University of Louisville's Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center blog:

Kentucky Recycling Interest Group Meeting

The Kentucky Recycling Interest Group will advocate "zero waste output” through resource conservation, increased recycling and application of waste reduction techniques in Kentucky through effective applications of education, investments, planning and technology.

June 17, 2008

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. EDT
Eastern Kentucky University
Perkins Building
Richmond, KY

Registration required by 10:00 a.m. June 16, 2008.

Lunch will be provided.

There are three easy ways to register for this event:

* Call KPPC at (502) 852-0965, or
* Send Email to registration@kppc.org with Subject: "KRIG Meeting", or
* Register online

Directions for Perkins Building from I-75

From either direction, take exit 87, Eastern By-Pass. Travel down the By-Pass, turn right at light #6, KY 52 West/Lancaster Ave. Turn left at next light, Kit Carson Drive. The Perkins Building and parking lot is at the top of the hill on the left.

Eastern Kentucky University campus map with the Perkins Building highlighted. (PDF format)

For questions concerning registration, please contact KPPC at 502-852-0965 or registration@kppc.org.

For questions concerning KRIG, please contact Dara Carlisle, Kentucky Division of Waste Management, at dara.carlisle@ky.gov or call Dara at 502-564-6716.

This event is hosted by the Kentucky Division of Waste Management in partnership with the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center.

from the London Sentinel-Echo:

Mayor backs curbside recycling

By Tara Kaprowy
Staff Writer

Published: April 22, 2008 06:54 pm

Mayor Troy Rudder told London Downtown members about his plans for the future of recycling in London — and they’re big.

“If we’re going green, we’re going all the way,” he said.

If Rudder has his way, curbside recycling in London will be a reality in two to three years’ time. He also wants to see the amount of garbage going into the landfill reduced by 75 percent in the coming years. In the first year, he wants to cut the amount down by 25 percent.

“It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “All towns need to be looking at this right now because that’s the future.”

For Rudder, recycling boils down to a question of economics.

Right now, the city dumps 150 tons per day at a cost of $22.50 per ton.

“We spend about $522,000 a year to dispose of just dumping garbage at the landfill,” Rudder said. “Every pound we can keep from the landfill saves us money and, in turn, saves the households and businesses in town.”

Moreover, Rudder expects the cost to dump in the landfill to rise exponentially.

“We known in four years what is going to happen to our dumping fees,” he said. “It’s going to skyrocket.”

“We can look at doubling our tipping fees,” he added, estimating that that in four years, the price to dump at the landfill will likely jump to $40 or $42.

To make the recycling goals a reality, the city and county have applied for a $310,000 grant to expand the program. In the grant application, the city proposed taking over the program.

London Public Works Director Steve Edge, who is to be in charge of the program, said he is “80 to 90 percent” sure the grant will be awarded to the area. Even if it isn’t, plans are still moving forward.

“We’re getting the facilities ready to implement it,” Edge said. “It will be another 60 to 75 days.”

Edge said the city plans to recycle “everything from e-waste down,” meaning electronics will be recycled, along with paper, plastic, cans, cardboard and all types of paper.

Edge said the grant will be used to buy recycling equipment — a compacter, can densifier, glass pulverizer, shredder — that would make the program less labor intensive.

Laurel County has had a recycling program since 2001. Though it was considered to be one of the most progressive centers in southeastern Kentucky, lay-offs made in July 2007 ground the program to a halt.

Laurel County Solid Waste Coordinator Jim Ed McDaniel said the county no longer has the manpower to distribute the recycling bins to various locations in the county, and is having trouble keeping up with the products dropped off at the McWhorter Street center.

“It will be a godsend for us,” McDaniel said of the city taking over the program. “Me and my other two employees will go back to our solid waste part. We’ll be able to pick up the appliances as they come in and do the road litter pickup.”

To encourage Londoners to recycle, Edge said the city plans to charge residents who recycle less for garbage pickup than those who don’t.

“For example, we would charge them a rate of $10 if they do recycle and $15 if you don’t,” Edge explained. “We’re going to let you save yourself money.”

Neither Rudder nor Edge anticipate the recycling center will actually make the city money.

“We’re hoping it can break even,” Rudder said.

“We’ve got to make it pay for itself,” Edge added.

from Solar Nation:

Renewable Bills Pass Kentucky Legislature
Good news for energy efficiency and net metering

The Legislature has passed bills promoting energy efficiency and net metering. That means tax credits for solar PV and solar hot water good until 2016, with a $500 ceiling for residential and $1000 ceiling for commercial properties.

The bills include tax credits for solar, wind and energy efficiency measures. The solar tax credit applies to PV, solar water heating, solar space heating, and passive solar. The bills also encourages state government to use renewable energy in their facilities. At this moment, the bills awaits Governor Beshear's signature.

from the Mountain Area Community Economic Development (MACED) website:

FOREST CARBON CREDITS

Enrollment is open to private forest landowners in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. Forestland outside this region will be considered on a case by case basis. Forest landowners owning 40 acres or more are encouraged to apply.

The application process begins when a forest landowner contacts the MACED office and requests an Application Packet. This packet contains detailed information about the program, information for completing the enrollment requirements and an Application Form. We also include a copy of the Kentucky Forest Landowner's Handbook for all interested landowners.

Applying is easy. To apply, a landowner fills in and returns the one page Application Form that comes in the application packet. This form serves as a landowner's place holder for enrolling in the program. After applying the landowner proceeds to complete the four enrollment requirements listed below.

Four requirements must be met in order to enroll. Enrollment is the final step that makes a landowner eligible for carbon credit payments. These requirements acknowledge a commitment to sustainable forestry and document an intent to maintain the enrolled land in forest cover. Landowners may apply before these requirements are completed, but enrollment will not occur until all requirements are met.

1. A Stewardship Plan must be in place. This is available free of charge through the Kentucky Division of Forestry. To have your property designated as a Stewardship Forest contact your local state forester. Click here to find a forester in your district.

2. Forest Certification is required, unless a conservation easement is in place. Certification through the American Tree Farm program is provided free of charge through the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Certification by the Forest Stewardship Council is also acceptable, but is not free of charge.

3. A forest inventory must be completed by a consulting forester. Dependent on the amount of acreage involved, a landowner could reasonably expect to pay $5 – $10 per acre for their forest inventory, however this will need to be assessed by your consulting forester. MACED provides loans to cover the cost of the inventory.

4. Landowners must sign a contract agreeing to abide by the program's rules. This contract, and more information about the program are available by contacting MACED's forestry staff.

Click here for a glossary which defines some terms used in the contract.

Based on the June 2007 Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) market price, a forest landowner could expect to receive $4.00 – $5.00 per acre per year dependent on the average age of their trees and the overall condition of their property.

For every forest property enrolled in its program, MACED will:

• measure its change in wood volume over time;

• convert its wood volume to volume of carbon credits;

• and sell the credits based on their value in the marketplace.

In exchange for providing its services, MACED will deduct a management fee from each landowner's gross carbon payment.

Be the first in your community to join this newly emerging market!

Contact MACED at 1-888-677-2373 or email forestry@maced.org.

from: www.ekpcrfp.com

EKPC Request for Proposals

Renewable Energy Resources RFP 2008

East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc. (EKPC) is committed to protecting the environment while providing affordable, reliable power to its members. EKPC has a rich history of responsible environmental stewardship in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. EKPC has been a pioneer of green energy and, today, generates more green energy than any other utility in Kentucky. As the cooperative plans to meet future load growth, EKPC is seeking opportunities to diversify its portfolio of generation resources with renewable resources that really work for Kentucky's homes, farms and businesses.

Renewable energy resources may include, but are not limited to:

* Wind
* Biomass
* Solar (Electric and/or Thermal)
* Hydro
* Geothermal
* Recycled Energy (Waste heat, etc)

EKPC is seeking 200 up to 300 MW of renewable capacity and associated energy resources. EKPC will give first preference to proposals that locate the source(s) of capacity within the existing control area of EKPC and second preference to sources inside Kentucky. Proposals that involve resources outside the state of Kentucky will be considered.

This RFP is open to those parties who currently own, propose to develop, or have rights to a renewable energy generating facility larger than 1 MW. Bidders may submit multiple proposals to fulfill the resource request. EKPC does not intend to offer a self-build option for this RFP. The proposal must be based upon a proven technology. EKPC will retain all environmental attributes associated with Bidder’s proposed bid energy, including but not limited to renewable energy credits, green tags, greenhouse gas or carbon credits, and any other emissions attributes.

Proposals are due at EKPC Headquarters no later than 4 PM EDT on June 30, 2008. Proposals are to be submitted by mail, e-mail, fax, or hand delivery. Faxed or e-mailed proposals must be followed up by mail with a signed original which must be received no later than 4PM EDT on July 3, 2008. All correspondence should be directed to EKPC's Official RFP Contact:

Fernie Williams, Resource Planning
RE: Renewable Energy Resources 2008 RFP
East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc.
4775 Lexington Road
Winchester, Kentucky 40391

Phone:(859) 745-9429
Fax: (859) 737-6123
E-mail: renewable@ekpcrfp.com


RFP Issue Date: April 15, 2008
Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal Due Date: May 1, 2008
Proposals Due: June 30, 2008
Evaluation Completed: August 29, 2008
Select Short Listed Proposals: September 5, 2008
Execute Project Agreements: November 7, 2008

..........

from the Eastern Progress Online:

Batteries: heavy metal you can recycle

by Casey Tolliver
4/17/08

If you have ever been to the Richmond campus, chances are, you have been in close proximity to dangerous toxic substances.

In fact, there are poisonous heavy metals and corrosive electrolyte solutions throughout your house, and even in your car.

Found in batteries, these hazardous wastes are detrimental to the environment, dotting the landscapes and landfills with poison; other than simply throwing them in the trash, there is no effective and convenient way to dispose of batteries.

The Universal Waste Battery Program, a new environmental stewardship program, plans to try to reverse this practice at Eastern by providing the preferred disposal alternative for hazardous batteries on campus, according to the UWBP outline.

"The biggest thing we want to do is to let the university community know that we are rolling out this recycling program and pay attention when you check out what can be recycled," Eastern Facilities Services recycling spokesperson Randy Wilson said. "Some batteries contain lead and mercury and these are horrible to the Earth. The lithium batteries, when they decay, they release ether."

Students wishing to responsibly dispose of their batteries can ask for a Universal Waste Battery pre-printed envelope from their building supervisors or residence hall advisers.

The universal waste batteries and the university's collected e-scrap waste are processed at Kentucky Recycling.

Batteries contain several components that can be recycled, but the focus is primarily on the recovery of metals, including mercury, silver and cadmium, according to the UWBP outline.

Wilson said the UWBP is a unique program and Eastern is one of few universities in the state with a battery recycling program.

"This is a fairly new program, and I'm excited about it," Wilson said. "It means that we're going to be leaders in environmental sustainability, and that is something most of the other universities aren't doing."

A few other universities have also hired outside recycling coordinators, but recycling programs done at Eastern are done "in-house", Wilson added.

With Facilities Services' commitment to environmental and recycling issues, the scope of its projects is broader than just recycling batteries.

Facilities Services works to recycle numerous waste products at Eastern: plastics, newspaper, ink cartridges and cell phones are only some of the items on its list.

In addition to its budding work with batteries, Facilities Services also has a partnership with Habitat for Humanities in the Cans for Habitat program.

Because of programs like Universal Waste Battery and Cans for Habitat, Eastern is a model for recycling for other regional universities and the community, according to the Eastern Recycles Web site.

The next recycling project for Facilities Services is end-of-semester recycling, which may appeal to seniors and other students exhausted by the semester.

"If you have any notes, throw them in the recycle bin," Wilson said.

from Pol Watchers, the Lexington Herald-Leader's political blog:

April 15, 2008

Could an energy bill be a seed for bicameral agreement?

The last crucial work day of the Kentucky General Assembly began Tuesday with the merging of two energy bills -- one from the House and one from the Senate -- aimed at making Kentucky's government, small businesses and homes more efficient.

The Senate's Appropriations and Revenue Committee blessed the marriage of H.B. 2, offered by House Democratic Floor Leader Rocky Adkins, to S.B. 165, a measure sponsored by independent Sen. Bob Leeper of Paducah.

The full Senate and House now must approve the new mega-energy-efficiency bill before midnight when all legislative work for this session must be completed.

Adkins' energy bill would provide tax credits for home builders to construct more efficient and "green" houses as well as home buyers to purchase U.S. Department of Energy-approved Energy Star appliances.

"If we’re going to have a comprehensive and balanced energy policy in Kentucky, then we have to look at all the energy opportunities that we have,” Adkins said. “I think that energy efficiency and conservation and renewable energy opportunities are a big part of us trying to achieve the type of policy in Kentucky to reach energy independence in this country."

If the bill is approved, taxpayers could apply for credits on their 2009 tax forms for purchases made after Jan. 1, 2009.

It's unclear how much those new state tax credits -- which Adkins said will be structured similar to the federal tax credits -- will cost Kentucky in revenue, said Adkins, of Sandy Hook. But the costs wouldn't be seen until the second year of the 2009-2010 biennium.

But whatever the cost will be, Leeper's bill should free up enough cash to cover it, said Leeper.

Leeper initially proposed $50 million worth of bonds to be sold to cover low-interest loans to small businesses to purchase energy efficient electronics and make their buildings better insulated. But he agreed to reduce that amount to $30 million in bond funds to free up money to cover the tax credits in Adkins' H.B. 2.

"It ends up being a bottom line wash," Leeper said.

His legislation also calls for $50 million in bond funds to pay for state government buildings to be fitted with energy efficient lightbulbs, windows and other more efficient components. Energy savings will cover the annual payments on those bonds.

Both Adkins and Leeper denied that the pairing of their bills was part of a broader game of horse trading. Instead, it was something that came together two weeks ago when both men were working on crafting the state budget.

"It's just good, sound policy," Leeper said.

- Ryan Alessi

from The Earth Times:

AEP Utility Appalachian Power Issues RFP for Renewable Energy Resources

Posted : Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:47:30 GMT
Author : American Electric Power
Category : Press Release

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Electric Power subsidiary Appalachian Power issued a request for proposals today seeking long-term purchases of up to approximately 100 megawatts of new renewable energy resources to be operational by the end of 2010.

According to the RFP, proposals must rely on commercially proven technologies for renewable energy, including wind; solar photovoltaic; biomass firing or co-firing of agricultural crops and all energy crops; hydro (as certified by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute); coal mine methane; landfill gas; biogas digesters; or biomass firing or co-firing of crop residues, animal waste and woody waste.

Expression of interest forms are due by April 30, with proposals to be submitted by May 30. The company expects the successful bidder to be selected and contracts in place by September. RFP information can be found at http://www.appalachianpower.com/go/rfp.

The RFP is part of AEP's voluntary plan -- announced in 2007 -- to add 1,000 megawatts of new wind or renewable energy by 2011 as a component of the company's comprehensive strategy to address its greenhouse gas emissions. The addition of renewable energy to AEP's energy portfolio avoids an increase in greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise occur if AEP used traditional fossil generation to meet growing customer demand.

"We are committed to increasing the wind and other renewable energy in our generation mix as part of our comprehensive climate strategy," said Michael G. Morris, AEP's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Even with the growth, renewables -- in the near term -- will remain a small percentage of our total available capacity used to meet the day-to-day power needs of our customers, but they are of crucial importance to address the increasing concerns about the planet's changing climate."

AEP has made three purchases of long-term renewable energy -- two by Appalachian Power -- since the company made its 1,000-megawatt commitment in 2007. The previous two Appalachian Power purchases, both of wind energy, added 175 megawatts of renewable capacity for the utility that serves about 1 million customers in West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. Another AEP utility, Indiana Michigan Power, has added 100 megawatts of long-term wind energy, bringing AEP to within 725 megawatts of its commitment.

"Seeking additional renewable energy resources for Appalachian Power's customers is part of a broader portfolio of energy solutions we are implementing as part of our climate efforts," said Dana Waldo, president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power. "Regulators in West Virginia recently approved our plans to build a fully commercial Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) clean-coal power plant, a project that will push that important technology into the commercial mainstream. We will begin construction once we get the necessary approval in Virginia.

"The first large-scale validation of carbon-capture and storage technology will take place on one of our plants in West Virginia," Waldo said. "The nation's first utility-scale energy storage system is on an Appalachian Power facility near Charleston. And, through AEP, we continue to push for improvements in energy efficiency, including the development of systems to enable customers to make wise energy decisions."

AEP's wind portfolio -- prior to this most-recent RFP -- is 1,050 megawatts, which includes 310-megawatts of wind generation owned by AEP in Texas, long-term wind purchase agreements reached before the company's 2007 commitment and agreements reached after the 2007 commitment.

American Electric Power is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation's largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation's largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765 kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. AEP's transmission system directly or indirectly serves about 10 percent of the electricity demand in the Eastern Interconnection, the interconnected transmission system that covers 38 eastern and central U.S. states and eastern Canada, and approximately 11 percent of the electricity demand in ERCOT, the transmission system that covers much of Texas. AEP's utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP's headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.

This report made by American Electric Power and its Registrant Subsidiaries contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although the registrants believe that their expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are: electric load and customer growth; weather conditions, including storms; available sources and costs of, and transportation for, fuels and the creditworthiness and performance of fuel suppliers and transporters; availability of generating capacity and the performance of AEP's generating plants; AEP's ability to recover regulatory assets and stranded costs in connection with deregulation; AEP's ability to recover increases in fuel and other energy costs through regulated or competitive electric rates; AEP's ability to build or acquire generating capacity (including the company's ability to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals and permits) when needed at acceptable prices and terms and to recover those costs through applicable rate cases or competitive rates; new legislation, litigation and government regulation including requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot or particulate matter and other substances; timing and resolution of pending and future rate cases, negotiations and other regulatory decisions (including rate or other recovery of new investments in generation, distribution and transmission service and environmental compliance); resolution of litigation (including disputes arising from the bankruptcy of Enron Corp. and related matters); AEP's ability to constrain operation and maintenance costs; the economic climate and growth in AEP's service territory and changes in market demand and demographic patterns; inflationary and interest rate trends; volatility in the financial markets, particularly developments affecting the availability of capital on reasonable terms and developments impairing AEP's ability to refinance existing debt at attractive rates; AEP's ability to develop and execute a strategy based on a view regarding prices of electricity, natural gas and other energy-related commodities; changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom AEP has contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading market; actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of debt; volatility and changes in markets for electricity, natural gas, coal, nuclear fuel and other energy-related commodities; changes in utility regulation, including the potential for new legislation in Ohio and the allocation of costs within regional transmission organizations; accounting pronouncements periodically issued by accounting standard-setting bodies; the impact of volatility in the capital markets on the value of the investments held by AEP's pension, other postretirement benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning trust; prices for power that AEP generates and sells at wholesale; changes in technology, particularly with respect to new, developing or alternative sources of generation; other risks and unforeseen events, including wars, the effects of terrorism (including increased security costs), embargoes and other catastrophic events.

American Electric Power

from the Harlan Daily Enterprise:

Cameras suggested at dump sites
By JOEY WILLIAMS
Staff Writer

Published: Friday, April 11, 2008 2:56 AM CDT

The severe problem of littering in Harlan County was the focus of Wednesday’s meeting of the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce.

Lakis Mavinidis, Harlan County’s solid waste director, was the guest speaker and noted that not only is littering a problem for Harlan County but one the entire country needs to address.

“We in America currently produce 350 million tons of trash each year. That is an incredible number. We could line semi-trucks up bumper to bumper from here to New York, and we could pack each of them with garbage, and it still wouldn’t be 350 tons,” Mavinidis said. “So, it’s not only just a problem for this county, it is a problem nationwide. However, we have to do our part as a community to help solve the problem.”

The county received $46,000 last year to clean up litter, but Mavinidis said the amount ultimately used to clean up the county was $53,000. He estimated that it will take close to $1 million to clean up all the remaining illegal dump sites.

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Board members suggested security cameras be purchased and placed at illegal dumping sites. Mavinidis says that is something he plans to pursue.

“We would need to purchase at least 10 cameras. That would probably run us about $1,000, but I do think that it would be money well-spent. I think this could go a long way in actually catching the people who litter,” he said.

Also announced at the meeting were plans for a new morning talk show host for WFSR. Barry Leonard, who is currently the pastor at the Harlan United Methodist Church, will take over the morning show Monday through Friday.

“I wasn’t even thinking about this kind of thing happening right now. So, it was definitely a total surprise. I guess God just has things in store for you sometimes that are his plans,” Leonard said. “I have a lot of plans for the show. I plan on getting the community a lot more involved. That’s my main goal.”

from the London Sentinel-Echo:

City may take over recycling

By Tara Kaprowy
Staff Writer

Published: April 03, 2008 10:05 pm

Laurel County’s recycling center is facing major changes, ones that would greatly expand the program and put it in the hands of the city.

The city and county are jointly applying for a grant in the amount of more than $300,000. That money would be used to buy recycling equipment — a compacter, can densifier, glass pulverizer, shredder — that would make the program far less labor intensive.

London Public Works Director Steve Edge would be at the helm of the program. He is passionate about recycling and improving the system.

“This is something that’s good to do and in the future it’s something we’re going to need to do,” he said.

Edge has big goals for the program.

“We’re shooting for a 20 to 25 percent reduction of what people bring to the landfill in the first year,” he said.

Edge’s ultimate goal is to cut the amount of trash that goes to the landfill by 75 percent.

“My long-term goal is to recycle anything that can be recycled,” he said. “It can happen. It’s already being done in other cities.”

Edge also sees curbside recycling — meaning it would be picked up at people’s homes — in London’s future.

“Within three to five years, you’ll see curbside recycling in London,” he said.

If the grant is awarded, the recycling center will be moved from its McWhorter Street location to the transfer station on KY 192 near TLC Lane. In terms of expanding the program, Edge would eventually like to be able to recycle electronics, such as computers and TVs, as well as batteries and paint.

Edge also plans to get Laurel County schools recycling, and have trailers parked on-site.

Under the terms of the agreement, the city would “do the recycling and offer recycling countywide,” Edge explained. The grant application had to be submitted to the Kentucky Division of Solid Waste April 1. Edge estimated he would hear if it had been awarded to Laurel County in 30 to 45 days.

Edge feels London and Laurel County have a good chance of getting the grant. He said the city and county applied for the grant separately last year and were both denied.

“We were denied because it wasn’t a joint venture,” he said.

Now the city and county are both on board, and Rockcastle County has agreed to bring their recyclables to Laurel County to have them processed.

Getting more counties on board is Edge’s goal.

“We’d like to make this a regional center,” he said. “We’ve talked to Clay and Jackson counties as well. We’re looking to help the region instead of just this immediate area.”



Staff writer Tara Kaprowy can be reached by e-mail at tkaprowy@sentinel-echo.com.

from the Ashland Daily Independent:

Approval for Boyd recycling program could come in July

By CARRIE KIRSCHNER - The Independent

Published: April 03, 2008 11:33 pm

ASHLAND — The launching of a countywide recycling program is in waiting mode while state environmental officials review a grant needed to launch the program.

Marion Russell, Ashland’s acting director of public services, said a joint committee of Ashland and Boyd County officials submitted the application earlier this month. Approval could come as early as July.

Russell said the grant seeks more than a half million dollars to be used to purchase equipment to run the proposed recycling program. Funds are also being requested for an extensive public education campaign, he added.

Ashland began recycling last September using prior grant funds from Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet to purchased 20 single-stream containers to collect recyclable items. The containers, paid in part with city funds, are now in place at four different locations throughout Ashland. As of the end of February, more than 88 tons of recyclable material had been collected in the containers, Russell said.

Ashland contracts with Rumpke Consolidated Companies to empty the bins on a weekly basis. The company handles the material at its facility in Hanging Rock, Ohio.

All that will change if the grant proposal is successful. The joint recycling committee envisions a self-supporting recycling program that could eventually turn a profit — the city now pays Rumpke a fee to empty the bins.

Materials would initially still be collected in containers at drop off sites throughout Boyd County and neighboring areas, but the materials would be sorted and baled at a jointly-owned facility proposed at the old county garage and then sold.

The committee plans to use inmates from the Boyd County Detention Center to perform the labor, although at least one full-time supervisor will need to be hired, according to the committee.

If successful, committee members say they would eventually like to see the program expanded to include curbside pick-up.

Ashland Commissioner and committee member Cheryl Spriggs said the plan has been well received both by residents and potential buyers. She said vendors interested in purchasing the material have already begun calling.

The committee has been working on the proposal since last fall, touring facilities in other Kentucky counties including those in Lexington and Maysville. A future trip is planned to visit a newly opened facility in Pikeville.

from the Barbourville Advocate, April 4, 2008:

Haulin' it in by truckloads



Scrap metal price on upswing

By Eddie Arnold, City Editor

Judging from the increasing volume of scrap metal being recycled, the old saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is apparently true. With scrap metal prices reaching near-record highs, a growing number of people from Knox and surrounding counties are taking to the creeks, hillsides and dumpsites of the area in search of metal they can sell to make money.

from www.green-mart.org:

Green-Mart is now accepting old dry cell, and rechargeable batteries, inkjet cartridges, and old cell phones for recycling free of charge. If you want info on how you can set up your business, church, or other group for collection visit our links page.

Middlesboro Middle Schoolers inform Board of Education members about global warming with a podcast.

From the Middlesboro Daily News:

Board members get lesson on podcasts

By Brandy Calvert/Senior Staff Writer

Published: Thursday, March 20, 2008 11:24 AM CDT

MIDDLESBORO — The Middlesboro Board of Education held their regular March meeting at the newly remodeled Middlesboro Middle School on Monday, March 17. Two of Mrs. Givens’ computer students presented their latest creation to board members- their podcast, “Helping prevent global warming”. By utilizing new technologies in their school, eighth graders Cassie Kirkland and Shayna Thomas showcased their technological talents and even taught board members something new.

Middle School Principal Steve Spangler spoke with board members about a recent review that the school received. Spangler told the board that the school system, school leaders and teachers were highly commended for creating a climate conducive of learning....

from the Middlesboro Daily News:

Photo: Bell County Judge-Executive Albey Brock recently signed an Arbor Day Proclamation which urges all citizens to participate in the observance of Arbor Day by planting trees to beautify our Commonwealth and to focus attention on our great natural resource — our forests. Pictured with Judge Brock is District Forester Jared Calvert (left) and Bell County Forest Ranger Lem Johnson (right). (Photo submitted)

Celebrate Arbor Day 2008

By Jared Calvert/District Forester

Published:Monday, March 31, 2008 10:28 AM CDT

PINEVILLE — Arbor Day in Kentucky is traditionally celebrated on the first Friday in April. This year, Kentucky will observe Arbor Day on Friday, April the 4th. Arbor Day was first celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1874.

J. Sterling Morton first came to Nebraska as the editor for Nebraska’s first newspaper and noticed that the state was void of trees. As a naturalist, he emphasized that trees were needed as windbreaks to keep soil in place, for fuel and building materials, and for shade from the hot sun. After widespread awareness of the need for trees to be planted was spread other States made Arbor Day a legal holiday during the 1870’s, and Arbor Day has been celebrated every year since its enactment.

Currently, the Kentucky Division of Forestry works with landowners, schools, and conservation districts within individual counties to keep the tradition of Arbor Day alive.

The Division of Forestry promotes Arbor Day through the donation of trees to schools and local conservation districts. In addition, the division works with local county judge executives and elected officials to promote the observance of Arbor Day in their county. The division also offers assistance to private landowners to help them decide what the proper trees will be to plant on their property and to elect an appropriate area to plant the trees.

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Upon request, private landowners who wish to plant large amounts of trees over large acreage can use the Kentucky Division of Forestry’s mechanical tree planters that can help speed up the process of planting trees on their land if the conditions are right. In addition, the division offers high quality seedlings for sale at low prices to private landowners.

This spring the Kentucky Division of Forestry has high quality hardwoods and conifer seedlings available. The following species are currently available and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis: Shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, silky dogwood, persimmon, black locust, mixed hickory, black oak, bur oak, cherrybark oak, northern red oak, overcup oak, pin oak, shumard oak, southern red oak, swamp chestnut oak, white oak, pecan, and black walnut. Most tree species are $15 per 10 trees or $25 per 100 trees. This price includes tax and shipping.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry urges you to play your part this year in planting trees in observance of Arbor Day. For more information about the state nurseries or to obtain an order form, visit the Kentucky Division of Forestry’s website at www.forestry.ky.gov or contact your local Kentucky Division of Forestry office in Pineville at (606)337-3011.

Jared Calvert is the Southeastern District Forester for the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Contact him via e-mail at jared.calvert@ky.gov.

Speaking about the growing trend of people moving into downtown areas of cities (including London, KY), Becky Shipp states: "It’s also an environmental movement as well — making use of existing resources.”

Read the rest of the article from the London Sentinel-Echo below:

Simple Living

By Tara Kaprowy
Staff Writer


Published: March 11, 2008 08:15 pm


When Warren Scoville bought the old building next to his Main Street law office in 1996, he only had convenience for his clients in mind. His goal was to raze the dilapidated two-story to create seven sparkling parking spaces.

“It was in such horrible shape,” he said of the building. “The ceiling tiles were pea green and had those old-fashioned wires with a light bulb at the end. The roof leaked like a sieve and when I took the windows out all the plaster came off.”

But upon closer inspection, Scoville realized the building was structurally sound and had one aesthetically-pleasing characteristic. Underneath the dropped ceiling, he found tin tiles stamped with Art Deco designs.

“I liked that ceiling so much I said, ‘You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to make me an apartment up here,’” he said.

At the time, Scoville was living in Lexington, returning to London to run his practice during the week.

He got to work on the project immediately and, six months later, had his home away from home.

Ten years after Scoville carved his apartment out of the rundown building, converting downtown edifices into stylish living spaces has gotten popular.

“It is happening everywhere — east, west, south, Midwest, small towns, big cities and everything in between,” said Donovan Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics, at a recent Kentucky Heritage Council seminar. “Today it is rare that I ever go into a downtown where there isn’t at least talk about a downtown housing initiative.”

To prove the point, Rypkema cited a study put together by the Brookings Institution, Fannie Mae Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania, which looked at the demographics of 24 American cities.

“In six cities, the overall population of the city declined but the downtown population increased,” he said. “In 12 of the cities, there were population increases both in the downtown and the city overall. But in 75 percent of those cases, the downtown grew faster than did the city.”

The reason for the growth?

Rypkema credited three population demographics: baby boomers, 20-somethings and singles.

Rypkema said people who are single own one-third of the households in the United States and are “strong components of the downtown market.”

Of the 20-somethings, Rypkema said the hip factor is what attracts them.

“They want the ‘urban cool’ even if their urbanity is a town of 5,000 people,” he said. “And urban cool, at whatever scale, happens downtown.”

Baby boomers are often using their downtown living spaces in the same way Scoville did — as a second home, Rypkema said.

“(They are) the relatively affluent older couple, who maybe want to spend their summers on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but keep their home in their hometown Kentucky,” he said.

And “hometown Kentucky” is seeing changes just like the rest of the country.

“In Covington, Lexington, Louisville, there is already lots of loft living in adaptive use facilities and even new facilities being built,” said Becky Shipp, program manager with the Kentucky Heritage Council.

Shipp credits Kentucky’s downtown housing growth to several factors.

“It may be an affordability issue, it may be a boomer issue,” she said. “We’re seeing it as the younger professional interested in something avant-garde. Baby boomers, empty nesters may not necessarily want to mow grass anymore. Some would be very interested in the historical character of the buildings. It’s also an environmental movement as well — making use of existing resources.”

Whatever the reasons, the Heritage Council would like to see more growth. This year it has asked its Main Street towns to do an assessment of their downtown living spaces.

“We’re collecting current data,” Shipp explained. “It’s an assessment of what kind of residential space there is, if it’s upper floor or stand alone, if it’s an after use building, what is the rent, what is the cost of the building.”

In addition, the Heritage Council is focusing its training sessions on downtown living, with tours of downtown living spaces planned in various regions of the state. One such tour will be in London, whose Renaissance District encompasses about 30 homes and six upper story apartments.

London Downtown Executive Director Sherri Mosley said the city was chosen to represent its region because of the availability and potential of upper story living.

“I’m excited,” she said. “We have a lot to show off.”

Scoville’s apartment will be part of the tour, and he is happy to endorse his downtown living experience.

“I loved it,” he said. “I was right beside work. I didn’t have to get up so early. Parking downtown at night is a breeze. And it’s extremely quiet. I just loved it down here.”

And while Scoville has since moved to the suburbs and reluctantly put the apartment up for sale, he feels people living downtown is a necessity for its revitalization.

“You can only build downtown if people live downtown,” he said.

Rypkema wholeheartedly agreed.

“If you asked me for a 100 indicators of a healthy downtown I could probably come up with them,” he said. “But if I were limited to one it would be this — people on the street. Independent of any other variable, if there are people on the street a downtown is successful and if there are not it is not. And while we love having the bank and the law firm and the real estate office downtown, they don’t put people on the street. Four things do: retailing, food and beverage, entertainment and housing. And I have come to strongly believe that the first among equals is housing.”

from the Clay County News:

Bishop will lead local PRIDE Spring Cleanup for Clay Co.

Manchester, Ky. — Judge-Executive Carl Sizemore reminds everyone that Michael Bishop is serving as the Clay County PRIDE Coordinator. In this voluntary position, he will plan local cleanup efforts and helps the community take advantage of PRIDE programs.

Spring Cleanup April 5-19

Mr. Bishop will lead the local PRIDE Spring Cleanup, April 5 through April 19. He is looking for volunteers for cleanup events across the community. PRIDE will supply T-shirts, trash bags, and safety vests for the volunteers.

PRIDE Coordinators are volunteers who play a vital role in building PRIDE in their communities. The coordinators organize cleanup activities, recruit volunteers and track cleanup results. They assist local officials with the PRIDE programs, including applications for grants. They also serve on the PRIDE Board of Directors.

PRIDE promotes “Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment” in 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE links citizens with the resources of local, state and federal agencies to clean up the region’s waterways, end illegal trash dumps and promote environmental education. PRIDE was started in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers and the late James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

For more information about PRIDE in your community or volunteering during the PRIDE Spring Cleanup, call Michael Bishop today at 606/391-3063, or visit www.kypride.org.

from the Clay County News:

Mathis will lead local PRIDE Spring Cleanup for the City of Manchester

Manchester, Ky. — Mayor Carmen Lewis reminds everyone that Pam Mathis is serving as the City of Manchester’s PRIDE Coordinator. In this voluntary position, she will plan local cleanup efforts and helps the community take advantage of PRIDE programs.

Ms. Mathis works at City Hall as the PRIDE Coordinator, Deputy Clerk and Grant Writer. She has lived in Clay County for 35 years and currently resides in the Burning Springs community with her family.

“I look forward to serving as PRIDE Coordinator because volunteering to help make a city and county a cleaner place to live is very enjoyable,” she said. “PRIDE is making a difference in the City of Manchester while giving us a chance to show our pride in clean roads and streets as well as our waterways and streams. “

Ms. Mathis added, “We encourage everyone to recycle and help save our environment and decrease our landfills.”

Spring Cleanup April 5-19

Ms. Mathis will lead the local PRIDE Spring Cleanup, April 5 through April 19. She is looking for volunteers for cleanup events across the community. PRIDE will supply T-shirts, trash bags, and safety vests for the volunteers.

“I invite you to lend a hand during the Spring Cleanup because your help will help us make our city and county clean and help provide for a safe environment. Join us for the month of April from the 5th until the 30th,”she said.

PRIDE Coordinators are volunteers who play a vital role in building PRIDE in their communities. The coordinators organize cleanup activities, recruit volunteers and track cleanup results. They assist local officials with the PRIDE programs, including applications for grants. They also serve on the PRIDE Board of Directors.

PRIDE promotes “Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment” in 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE links citizens with the resources of local, state and federal agencies to clean up the region’s waterways, end illegal trash dumps and promote environmental education. PRIDE was started in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers and the late James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

For more information about PRIDE in your community or volunteering during the PRIDE Spring Cleanup, call Pam Mathis today at 606/598-3456, or visit www.kypride.org.

from the Corbin Times-Tribune:

Laurel Lake Cleanup scheduled for April 19

Published: April 03, 2008 09:54 am

Staff Report

The beach at Laurel River Dam will serve, yet again, as the staging area for this year’s annual Laurel Lake Cleanup.

This year’s event will be Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In recent years the cleanup has drawn more than 500 volunteers and organizers are optimistic that even more people will turn out this year to show their concern for one of southeast Kentucky’s most important resources.

“It has been rewarding to watch the way this event has grown over the years,” said John Strojan of the USDA Forest Service, one of the sponsoring organizations. “This is a great opportunity for lake users to give something back to the resource, and we hope they will come out again this year.”

Residents of Laurel and Whitley Counties will again be competing for the coveted “Cleanup Cup”, which is awarded to the county with the most volunteers. Last year’s competition was won for the sixth year in a row by Laurel County. Prior to Laurel County’s winning streak, Whitley won the cup for two consecutive years.

The Cleanup is not all work and no play. Volunteers receive a free lunch, T-shirt and a chance to win donated door prizes. They can also enter an item for consideration as the “Catch-of-the-Day.” This prize goes to the volunteer who locates the most unusual piece of trash.

Volunteers will register at the beach on the day of the event, but they are encouraged to pre-register ahead of time in order to give organizers an idea of how many participants to plan for. Pre-registration forms are available from Holly Bay and Grove Marinas, as well as the U.S. Forest Service London District Office. You can also pre-register by calling the Forest Service at (606) 864-4163.

Boat owners are encouraged to come and support the effort. Volunteers who do not have a boat of their own can hitch a ride on one of several boats that will be shuttling participants out to sections of shoreline where trash is located. There will also be vans available to help move volunteers to some of the lake access roads that will need cleaning.

The Laurel Lake Cleanup is organized by the Friends of Laurel River Lake, a group formed to promote efforts to keep the lake a clean, and healthy natural resource. This group includes the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Laurel and Whitley County Governments, PRIDE, Senture, London-Laurel County Tourism Commission and others, including concerned citizens and businesses in the Whitley and Laurel County area.

Businesses and organizations wishing to make donations to the event can contact the London-Laurel County Tourism Commission at (606) 878-6900.

from the Eastern Progress Online:

Earth Day events active in Richmond

Laura Butler
Issue date: 4/3/08

You don't have to chain yourself to a tree or lay in front of a bulldozer to protect the earth or enrich its beauty.

Rather, many organizations and campus groups are creating events that student can participate in for Earth Day, most of which are occurring right on campus.

Students and staff can share their "green recipes" with other members of the Eastern Community by posting them on www.healthyyouateku.com or switch their light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs to conserve electricity in their homes.

Another way to become involved with Earth Day is to develop a logo for next year's Earth Day in the Cumberlands 2009.

The winning design will be placed on posters, flyers and t-shirts for next year's festivities in addition to winning $200.

This event not only promotes Earth Day but also provides students a chance to put a little "green" in their own pockets.

Students can also learn what they can do about supporting green power production within Kentucky on April 4 and 5 from 12:30-1:45 in the Wallace building.

Students can also participate in an "eco-friendly" project in Fresh Food Company, Table for 6.6 Billion, during lunch and dinner hours.

All week long, beginning April 14 the culinary staff will prepare featured lunch and dinner choices that promote sustainable responsible systems of food production, processing, distribution and consumption.

Dining Services will also sponsor another "cooking with the chef" event on Thursday, April 17, to learn more about how to "green up" your diet on your own.

For further information about Earth Day visit www.cres.eku.edu.

from the EKU Update:

EKU Celebrates Earth Days in the Cumberlands

EKU’s ninth annual Earth Days in the Cumberlands celebration throughout April includes a wide variety of educational programs and hands-on activities on and off campus designed to raise awareness about environmental issues in the Commonwealth and beyond.

Several events focus on energy production and conservation, and many involve community partners. Most are free and open to the public.

A complete schedule of events is available at www.ecres.eku.edu, the Web site of the Eastern Committee for Responsible Environmental Stewardship. Some of the month’s highlights include:

* A public reading by Ann Pancake, author of “Strange As This Weather Has Been,” on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Reading Room of Crabbe Library. A reception and book signing will follow. This West Virginia native’s novel is about a coal-country family dealing with mountaintop removal and rural life in Appalachia. The book’s cover is a photo of “The Agony of Gaia,” a sculpture by Kentuckian Jeff Chapman Crane, who will also be present at the event. Also, the sculpture will be displayed the week of April 21-25 in Crabbe Library.

* A presentation about the recently announced energy-saving alliance between Siemens Corporation and EKU that is expected to result in a 30-percent reduction in annual utilities costs for the University. Mark Azzarra with Siemens and James Street, Associate VP for Capital Planning and Facilities Management for EKU, will discuss the plan on Thursday, April 17, at 2 p.m. in Room 128 of Crabbe Library.

* On Monday, April 14, Dick Shore will give a dramatic performance portraying famed naturalist and geologist John Muir. The presentation, entitled “The Thousand Mile Walk,” begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Wallace Building auditorium.

* Also on Monday, April 14, EKU apiarist Tammy Horn will talk about an experimental program to plant trees and establish beehives on reclaimed mountaintop removal sites in eastern Kentucky – a project organizers hope will have ecological and economic benefits for the region. Horn’s talk will begin at 11:15 a.m. in Room 128 of Crabbe Library. Filmmaker Jeff Barrie’s documentary “Kilowatt Ours” will be shown on Thursday, April 17, at 3:30 p.m. in Room B-12 of the Memorial Science Building. The film shows what the average college student can do to reduce energy use. “Fossil Fools: Art, Activism and Appalachia,” on Wednesday, April 16, will feature Kristen Baumlier of the Cleveland Art Institute, composer and sound artist Brian Harnetty and Appalshop filmmaker Tom Hansell. The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Room 128 of Crabbe Library.

* A Bike Safe Richmond Rally on Saturday, April 19, in support of the Madison County Greenways and Trails initiative. The rally includes a two-mile family ride through downtown Richmond beginning at 1 p.m. and an eight-mile ride through Richmond and around the Eastern By-Pass beginning at 2 p.m. Both rides begin at Mike’s Hike & Bike on Main Street. Also that day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mike’s, a children’s bicycle and helmet safety check will be offered. In addition, throughout the month, on Saturdays and Sundays, bicycle rides of 2, 10-15 and 25-50 miles will be leaving from Mike’s. For more information, contact Michael Hale at 626-9626 or mike@mikeshikeandbike.com.

* A cleanup of Muddy Creek on Friday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning at the Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area. Pre-registration is required; visit muddycreekfriends.org to register. In addition, three stream monitoring volunteer training sessions are scheduled for the Kentucky River Watershed Watch, in Lexington, Danville and Midway. To register, visit kywater.org/watch/ky.htm or e-mail joann.palmer@ky.gov.

* Richmond Mayor Connie Lawson and Madison County Judge-Executive will proclaim April as Tree Month in Madison County. Activities throughout the month will include a poster contest and a tree planting at the new police station in Richmond.

Other events include an art exhibit at Gallery on Main entitled “Shaped by Water, environmental education workshops, and a week in the Fresh Food Company on the EKU campus devoted to “greening up” your diet.

EKU sponsors of Earth Days in the Cumberlands are Eastern Kentucky Environmental Research Institute, Center for Appalachian Studies, Division of Natural Areas, Facilities Services, Student Activities Council, Dining Services, Kentucky Riverkeeper, and Healthy You at EKU. Community sponsors are Mike’s Hike & Bike Shop, Madison County Greenways & Trails, Friends of Muddy Creek and the Richmond Tree Advisory Board.

from the Floyd County Times:

City to hold Arbor Day observance at Stonecrest

by JACK LATTA
Staff Writer

Published: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:06 PM CDT

PRESTONSBURG — City officials announced this week that the city’s landscaping department will be hosting its annual Arbor Day Festival this Friday.

According to Brent Graden, the city’s economic development director, the festivities will begin promptly at 9 a.m. at the Stonecrest Golf Course.

The landscape department, in conjunction with various groups, plans to plant thousands of redbud tree seedlings.

“We want the whole town to show up,” said Landscape Manager David Crisp. “We think trees really add to the community and it is our responsibility to make this community the best it can be. So come out with your boots on and plant a tree with us on Friday.”

The work is expected to begin at 9 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. with landscape crew, volunteers and honored guests taking part in the event.

According to officials, following the day’s activities, a “proper tree planting demonstration” as well as a cookout and possible live music have been planned to begin at 5 p.m. at the downtown city stage.

“We want people to realize that we have to do our part to support Mother Nature,” said Crisp. “So love your earth and plant a tree.”

The Prestonsburg Landscaping Department was recently honored by the Floyd County Extension Office in recognition of being one of the most outstanding cooperating organizations in the state.

Officials say that all interested parties should report to the Stonecrest golf clubhouse with good shoes and long pants. Refreshments and food will be provided during the day.

Any questions should be directed to Brent Graden at City Hall at (606) 886-2335.

From the Corbin Times Tribune website:

London offers locals recycling alternative

Published: April 02, 2008 10:33 am

By Brad Hicks / Staff Writer

Laurel County residents who are looking to unload some old electronic devices they may have discovered after spring cleaning are encouraged to recycle them instead of tossing them out.

London Downtown Director Sherri Mosley said Laurel County residents can drop off cellular phones, laptop computers and used printer cartridges at her office in the London Community Center.

“We can only take those three items,” she said.

Last year, London Downtown joined with the America in Bloom Program, which assists towns looking to become “garden cities.”

“Since that’s what we’re trying to become, we figured we’d join that,” Mosley said.

America in Bloom sent two judges who advised London Downtown of the areas that needed work in the town. The judges mentioned that more environmental needs should be addressed.

The electronic items have to be sent off to companies for recycling, however these companies pay for the items sent. Funds raised from the recycling efforts would go toward funding a London Downtown environmental committee.

Currently, the recycling center located in London is not able to take electronic devices, referred to as “e-waste,” for recycling, but Mosley said Laurel Countians should look for that to change soon.

“In the near future, e-waste will be part of our recycling program,” she said.

She also said within a couple of weeks, 10 businesses in London would be named as pilot recycling businesses. Mosley said these are businesses looking to “go green.” Once the representatives of these businesses are educated on the recycling process and are set up, their progress will be monitored for one year.

The prospect of recycling, Mosley said, can be overwhelming, but she feels more people are looking to recycle, and continued education efforts will assist with that.

“People in general want to recycle, they really do,” she said. “They just don’t know how to go about it. We’re here to educate them on the first steps.”

From the Ashland Daily-Independent Online:

Put trash here

Published: March 31, 2008 04:03 pm

Lawrence County plans to use an $8,400 award from East Kentucky PRIDE to place 14 large roll-off trash bins at 12 locations throughout the county. Here’s hoping they prove more effective than the first “green boxes” placed throughout the county more than 25 years ago.

There are at least two reasons to hope that this effort will be more successful. One is that attitudes about illegal dumps and litter have changed in the last quarter of a century. The other is that the Lawrence County Fiscal Court recently enacted a mandatory trash collection ordinance.

Instead of ordinary household waste, Eddie Michael — the former Lawrence County school superintendent who now serves as the county’s deputy judge-executive — said the new dumpsters will be for old appliances, cabinets and other items too large to be picked up by regular trash collectors. In fact, about the only items that the bins will not collect are old tires and glass and items primarily made out of glass.

Back in the early 1980s, Lawrence County became one of the first area counties to place green boxes throughout the county where residents could deposit their household waste. It was hoped the dumpsters would eliminate — or at least reduce — illegal dumping in the county.

But it didn’t quite work that way. Instead of becoming a way to eliminate eyesores in the county, the green boxes became eyesores. So many people deposited trash in them, that the county could not empty them quickly enough. Thus, each of the dump sites soon became littered with trash. Finding the trash containers full, residents wanting to use them for their trash simply dumped the trash on the ground near them.

County officials soon concluded that the green baxes were causing more problems than they solved, and they were removed. What had seemed like a good idea for eliminating illegal dumping did not work that way in practice.

But in the ensuing years, attitudes about trash have changed. For that, PRIDE — Personal Responsibility for a Desirable Environment — deserves much of the credit. Since being founded in 1997 by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and the late James Bickford, secretary of the state environmental protection cabinet under former Gov. Paul Patton, PRIDE has emphasized the need to end the trashing of eastern Kentucky. The efforts of Rogers and many others have been effective. While illegal dumping continues to be a problem in the region, it is not nearly as bad as it was a decade ago.

Michael said no Lawrence County resident will be more than three miles from a collection bin. And if the elderly or disabled cannot get the items to the dumpsters, the county will pick them up. That should eliminate any excuses for throwing the old washing machine over a hillside instead of placing it in one of the dumpsters.

A report on the London stop of the Energy Roadshow in the Corbin Times-Tribune. (Link to article.)

KY Green Energy Roadshow

Published: March 31, 2008 11:55 am


Series of state workshops in rural Kentucky areas aim at encouraging state leaders to think green

A unique green “roadshow” of sorts pulled into London last Saturday. At this roadshow there was talk of anaerobic digesters, green building, and all sorts of new ways to live. Not sure what the heck an anaerobic digester is? The roadshow was meant to help you figure out what exactly one was.

The Kentucky Green Energy Roadshow made it’s first stop on Saturday in London. The roadshow was presented by the Kentucky Solar Partnership.

Kentucky Solar Partnership Coordinator Andy McDonald said the roadshow was meant to teach people more about renewable energy, energy efficiency and green building.

“Kentucky Solar Partnership and some other organizations were thinking of ways of encouraging the state to save energy and become more green,” McDonald said of the event’s genesis. “And we thought if we had a series of workshops in places where these types of workshops don’t normally happen — rural areas, we could help encourage state leaders,”

The event ran from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and featured 10 speakers, and informational booths from sponsors.

One of the booths had bright colored lights underneath a domed piece of glass — something that resembled a model of a UFO.

Jason Streit of Kentucky Solar Living, one of the event’s major sponsors, said that the bright lights were compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs use approximately 75 percent less energy that normal light bulbs.

“I brought the colored ones, because I wanted to show that compact fluorescent lights can be used for anything—we have even installed them at bars and things like that,” Streit said.

The dome shaped glass was an example of a window that can be put in the roof of a house or building to provide daylight lighting instead of using electric lights. Streit said that this part of the display was to show people that there are a lot of options for daytime lighting.

Among the speakers at the event, was Talina Mathews, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy (GOEP). The mission of the GOEP is to maintain Kentucky’s low-cost energy, while responsibly developing energy resources, all the while preserving Kentucky’s commitment to environmental quality.

Mathews said that the energy problem in Kentucky, and the world as a whole won’t be solved simply.

“People say we need a silver bullet. I’m almost tired of this cliche, but we need a silver shotgun—there is no, one solution for the country’s energy problems,” Mathews said.

Mathews brought up examples of schools that participated in energy saving programs.

“These schools saved $30-50,000 just in energy costs. That could be enough to a hire another teacher,” Mathews said.

Mathews added that it would be necessary for Kentuckians, and the public as a whole to become more efficient.

“We need to produce everything more efficiently. We have to get people to think differently. We need people to know that no matter what happens, there are going to be carbon limits [enforced by the government] in the next 5 years. And if there are not, I’ll come back here and say I was wrong,” Mathews said.

The roadshow will be making it’s way to Owensboro, Northern Kentucky University and then to Morehead on April 26. McDonald said he hopes if people missed this first stop that they would consider coming to one of the upcoming stops. More information can be found at Kysolar.org

And if you are still wondering what anaerobic digester is, Scott Maas of USDA Rural Development explained that it is an up and coming green source of energy. Anaerobic digesters use microorganisms to break down organic biomass. Biomass in this case, according to Maas, is organic waste, in other words, animal droppings, wastewater and the like. As this waste biodegrades it creates gas that can be used to create power.

Maas says that the Maker’s Mark distillery is currently using a methane digester that breaks down whiskey waste. Maas said the distillery has cut it’s natural gas use in half.

In this WYMT report (read the text and watch the video clip here), Prestonsburg City Council member Gorman Collins suggests city projects such as recycling need funding before the city puts funds into a wireless internet service.

City Council Questions Cost Of Wireless Internet In Prestonsburg

Posted: 6:16 PM Apr 2, 2008
Last Updated: 9:23 PM Apr 2, 2008

Reporter: Dara Rees
Email Address: dara.rees@wymtnews.com

It's a pilot project to provide wireless internet service to Prestonsburg but after a few months of the free service, the city council says city funds should be used for other projects first. A number of local surveys show the community is in favor of the service, but there are still some bumps in the road to the world wide web.

This Eastern Kentucky city could be a wireless community, but a two mile stretch could be the only part of the city that gets to see it.

"We wanted to make sure that we could compete globally, as well as locally in different markets. We decided to use technology to achieve that," said Brent Graden, Director of Economic Development.

In theory, anyone along the designated stretch should be able the free wireless signal in Prestonsburg. City council members say they've seen a number of complaints from the community.

"You can't pick it up in most of the places in the city. It's not doing what some people have promised and really it shouldn't be going any further until we complete some other things," said Gorman Collins with the Prestonsburg City Council.

Collins says there are other projects in the city that are a higher priority.

"We have Mountain Arts Center, we have Stone Crest Golf Course, Prestonsburg Archer Park, our recycling project, some of the other things need to be done first and we feel like the money could be better spent," Collins said.

Graden says the cost of the project is thousands less than it could have cost.

"We're not opposed to the project, what we really feel is that the money can better be spent," Graden said. "Although this is still a test project that we are doing, we're hoping that the city council will vote on this and take us forward into the 21st century."

Graden hopes the wireless internet can draw in businesses and new opportunities like distance learning to Prestonsburg.

City officials are hosting a series of public meetings to answer questions about the wireless service.

From the Lexington Herald-Leader website:

EKU begins energy-saving initiative

By Ashlee Clark
ACLARK@HERALD-LEADER.COM

RICHMOND --
Eastern Kentucky University might want to add green to its school colors as it embarks on an energy-saving initiative expected to save millions of dollars.

EKU officials announced Tuesday a 12-year partnership with Siemens Building Technologies Inc. that will include $22 million worth of energy efficiency improvements on campus. The project is one of the largest ventures of its nature in the country, according to Siemens.

"I think we are in a new position of leadership in the commonwealth," EKU President Doug Whitlock said.

Siemens representatives expect the changes to reduce EKU's utility bills by 30 percent or more.

The university spends $6.5 million a year on utilities, said James Street, associate vice president for capital planning and facilities planning.

The upgrades range from simple (replacement of incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lighting) to complex (installation of building controls to regulate temperature and occupancy sensors that will turn off lights if people aren't in the room). Heating and cooling retrofits and consumption-saving devices on plumbing will also be installed.

"I think this part of Kentucky is going to get a lot greener," Berndt Baumgartl, senior vice president of regional operations for Siemens, said Tuesday.

The plan is also appealing at a time when the state budget calls for tighter spending at universities. The project, despite its price tag, will not require money from EKU. The amount of money saved from the energy improvements will pay for the overall cost of the projects, Baumgartl said. If the money saved falls short, Siemens will pay the difference.

Siemens first submitted plans for the project in 2007, said Michael Azzara, business development manager for the company.

Siemens employs 1,100 people in Kentucky, said Steve Kuehn, media and community relations manager for Siemens.

Renovations will begin in late summer or early fall and should be minimally invasive, Street said.

Partnership with Siemens

Eastern Kentucky University and Siemens Building Technologies are joining forces for a 12-year contract to reduce energy emissions at the school. EKU spends $6.5 million annually on utilities, and officials expect to save 30 percent with this partnership.

Based on Siemens' Greenhouse Gas Calculator, EKU will avoid emission of 77 million pounds of greenhouse gases, which is equivalent to:

• Preserving 37,662 acres of forest, or

• Removing 9,832 cars from the roads, or

• Conserving 105,091 barrels of oil, or

• Conserving 235 rail cars worth of coal.

Eastern Kentucky University

Students: 16,000

Buildings: 47 academic, 75 service/ support buildings and 15 residence halls will be affected by the changes

Savings to EKU: $6,200 a day

Siemens AG

German-based multinational corporation that operates in the industrial, health care and energy sectors.

Siemens Energy & Automation and Siemens Building Technologies Inc. are based in Louisville. Osram, the company's lighting division, and Sylvania operate manufacturing plants in Winchester and Versailles and have a distribution center in Versailles.

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News researcher Linda Niemi contributed to this report.
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