Environment

Kentucky is conducting a second round of drinking water testing for chemicals found in non-stick cookware as the U.S. Environmental Agency proposes new standards.

Electric utilities say ratepayers will be stuck spending more for outdated coal-fired power under a bill that passed the Kentucky Legislature on Thursday.

The board overseeing air quality in Louisville unanimously voted to change the city’s odor regulations following a mediation agreement with the Swift Pork Company.

On Wednesday, a Louisville board that oversees air quality regulations could vote to change odor rules that affect the entire city as part of a mediation agreement with Swift Pork Company.

Surface mining companies could more easily get permits to dump pollution into streams under a bill moving through the Kentucky legislature. Supporters say it would help keep mines open, while opponents say it would result worse stream quality and increased oversight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Ky. Senate approved a bill that would make it harder for utilities to retire coal-fired power plants. The utility industry says it will raise costs for ratepayers.

Storms that brought winds exceeding 70 mph damaged power lines, trees and structures across Kentucky.

Jefferson County, Kentucky, had the country’s third highest number of premature deaths due to particulate pollution from coal-fired power plants, according to a new report from the Sierra Club.

Gov. Beshear has declared a state of emergency in Kentucky due to severe weather and urged people to stay off the roads.

Louisville can expect heavy rain, strong winds and the possibility for tornadoes overnight Thursday and into Friday.