skip to main content

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

play newscast audioPlay

Alabamans urge a grocery tax reduction, a tape shows Trump knew about a classified document on Iran, Pennsylvania puts federal road funds to work and Minnesota's marijuana law will wipe away minor offenses.

play newscast audioPlay

Democrats say a wealth tax would help alleviate some national debt, lawmakers aim to continue pandemic-era funding for America's child care sector, and teachers say firearms at school will make students less safe.

play newscast audioPlay

Oregon may expand food stamp eligibility to some undocumented households, rural areas have a new method of accessing money for roads and bridges, and Tennessee's new online tool helps keep track of cemetery locations.

"Rally for the Rivers" Ongoing KY Movement

play audio
Play

Tuesday, June 28, 2011   

WINCHESTER, Ky. - A weekend "Rally for the Rivers" is turning into an ongoing campaign to get Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear to strengthen enforcement of the federal Clean Water Act. Protesters gathered near the Kentucky River in Clark County to draw attention to the mercury and other toxic pollutants they say are being emitted by a nearby coal-fired power plant.

Sierra Club member and community activist Billy Edwards says the weekend rally is just the start of activists' pressure to get the state to better protect Kentucky's waterways.

"We just want them to enforce the laws to help clean up the river, so that we won't have a situation as a dying river - which it is."

The groups say the water pollution from mines and coal ash dumps endangers aquatic life, stunts vegetation and threatens drinking water and recreation opportunities on the river for people.

Edwards says thousands of Central Kentucky residents downstream will be affected.

"And if the contamination continues, it's going to cost us all more money just to clean that water so we can use it for our daily use."

Governor Beshear has publicly balked at EPA regulations that he views as unreasonable and potentially job-crushing. His administration has joined in a lawsuit with the Kentucky Coal Association against tighter pollution controls.

Edwards and other protesters think he's off-base on this issue.

"And, I try to get people to remember what EPA stands for: it's Environmental Protection Agency. That means they're there to protect the environment that we all live in. And I'm offended by any governor, or government agency, or anything, trying to take that protection away from us."

In a prepared statement, Governor Beshear defended his actions in enforcing federal clean water rules. He said he's worked with researchers and the coal industry to develop alternative mining practices, and that his administration has inspected mine operations and wastewater-testing labs to ensure they obey permit requirements.


get more stories like this via email

Human rights advocates point out in 2023, North Dakota adopted nearly a dozen laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Human rights voices are calling attention to new North Dakota laws deemed hostile toward LGBTQ+ individuals, saying it is part of a movement led by …


Social Issues

play sound

In eastern Kentucky, advocacy groups are expanding summer learning opportunities for families. Isolation and learning loss plague many rural …

Social Issues

play sound

In 1968, Congress passed a law requiring the Food and Drug Administration to minimize people's exposure to wireless radiation, but the agency dropped …


The owners of Dokkaebier in Oakland said they have thrived after participating in a business accelerator program called the ICA Fund. (Mikey Maher)

Social Issues

play sound

Traditional business lending is tight these days following a series of recent bank collapses but one program is helping small businesses grow…

Environment

play sound

The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulates carbon dioxide pipelines, and is holding a two-day conference in Des …

The BLM manages over 48 million acres in Nevada, which equates to about 67-percent of the Silver State. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Nevadans will have the opportunity to learn more and weigh in on a proposed public lands rule that shifts the Bureau of Land Management's focus to pri…

Social Issues

play sound

In Tennessee and across the country, the rapidly growing Hispanic population made remarkable strides in college enrollment and educational attainment…

Social Issues

play sound

The moment Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping elections bill into law last week, several voter-advocacy groups filed lawsuits against it…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021