State Initiative Encourages Sustainability in Racing Industry

Kentucky’s horse racing industry could benefit from a new sustainability program. A state initiative will help racetracks comply with environmental regulations and reduce their footprint.Horse racing is important to Kentucky’s economy, but huge events like the Derby take their toll on the environment—from the trash produced to animal waste and electricity usage.The state’s new program is called “Green Beyond the Turf,” and it was developed to encourage sustainability in the racetrack industry. Division of Compliance manager Kenya Stump says the program has a two-pronged approach.“We want them to comply with existing regulations if it applies to their facility and then we want them to look at opportunities above and beyond where they can make environmental improvements,” she said.The program is starting with racetracks because of their significance in Kentucky culture, but Stump says they hope to expand it eventually to all sporting events.