Welcome to the Green Convene Action Page

Clean Energy Opportunity Act, House Bill 239 (February 2011)

Representative Mary Lou Marzian D-House District 34 -Jefferson) has sponsored the Clean Energy Opportunity Act, House Bill 239. This bill includes renewable and efficiency portfolio standards as well as Feed-in-Tariffs to promote clean energy production in Kentucky.

Follow the KY Sustainable Energy Alliance’s lead with their suggested actions to support this clean energy bill:

• Learn more about the bill here or track it online at Kentucky.gov's bill watch.
• Call your representative and tell them you support clean energy and this bill. Find your legislatures who can vote on this bill here.

The Kentucky chapter of the Sierra Club reports that State Representative Joni Jenkins of Louisville has introduced a bill, HB237, to increase safety standards at KY coal ash containments but the bill is unlikely to get a hearing.

Representative Jenkins' bill would require power plants to have emergency plans in place in case of a coal ash spill like the one in Kingston, TN in 2008 that sent 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash sludge barrelling through the community, destroying homes and covering 300 acres.

The bill would also require new coal ash containments to put in place state of the art liners to prevent any more toxic chemicals from seeping into our water.

For more information on this bill click here.

Commuter Rail System

Ralph Tharp, Frankfort’s new industrial recruiter, and executive director of the Kentucky Capital Development Corporation, envisions a rapid transit commuter rail system with 11 stations in Lexington, Louisville, Shelbyville, Midway and Frankfort. Tharp estimates the project could cost as little as $75 million and be completed by October 2012. Reference: The State Journal, 01/11/2011.

If you know of existing policies or initiatives relating to local transportation, please let us know by emailing info@greenconvene.org.

Community Supported Agricutlure

Support local farms and community supported agriculture (CSA) through Grasshoppers Distribution. Ellen McGeeney from Grasshoppers Distribution spoke at the Green Convene April 2011 community meeting. In addition to providing the history and background of Grasshopper's efforts, Evelyn brought delicious samples to try.

A discussion ensued on CSA membership goals and the need for further education and a culture of support for Louisville's small farms. Action ideas for Grasshoppers include: needing seed capital, metrics and data collection, and state or city lending programs for small farms. For more information on Grasshoppers Distribution click here

If you know of existing policies or initiatives relating to local food and agriculture, please let us know by emailing info@greenconvene.org.

Louisville Climate Action Report
Brent Fryrear, Director of the Partnership for a Green City, presents the Louisville Climate Action Report at the May 2011 Green Convene community meeting. The Climate Action Report was first published in April 2009 and Mr. Fryrear will update the community on implentation of the 175 recommendations from the report. Find the Louisville Climate Action Report here.

If you know of existing policies or initiatives relating to climate change, please let us know by emailing info@greenconvene.org.

If you know of existing policies or initiatives relating to built environment, please let us know by emailing info@greenconvene.org.

If you know of existing policies or initiatives relating to water, please let us know by emailing info@greenconvene.org.

Louisville Offers Strong Waste and Recycling Programs

Louisville's Solid Waste division offers municipal trash pick up, a diverse recycling program, as well as yard waste and junk disposal. Other programs exist to ensure the proper recycling and disposal of e-waste (computers, appliances). Learn more at Louisville's Solid Waste Page.