You can fight climate change with just 5-10 minutes of your time today!
Louisville Metro Government has received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create an updated Climate Action Plan. This plan covers a 10-county region, including Louisville/Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Henry, and Trimble Counties in Kentucky as well as Clark, Floyd, Harrison, and Washington Counties in Indiana. If you live in one of these counties, we urge you to make your voice heard on the Regional Climate Action Plan Survey.
The Save Bernheim Now Coalition supports Bernheim Forest’s efforts to prevent a high-pressure natural gas pipeline from being built through the Cedar Grove Wildlife Corridor – precious Bernheim land that is protected by a conservation easement. This proposed pipeline locks a large part of Bullitt and Nelson Counties into 70 years of natural gas use and the continued promotion of such by the utility company.
Access to better education about energy efficiency, renewables, and non-fossil fuel opportunities will raise awareness that better alternatives are available for residents and businesses in this area.
If you live in one of the counties listed above, please fill out the 5- to 10-minute survey by January 31st.
The Save Bernheim Now Coalition has compiled the following guide. Use any of the language below and add your own thoughts, too!
Top Priorities to Address:
Please select “green spaces and public parks” among your top 5 priorities.
3-5 specific solutions to address climate change and improve quality of life:
1) Oppose all new fossil fuel infrastructure, especially the proposed natural gas pipeline that threatens the ecosystem protected by Bernheim Forest and a conservation easement.
2) Increase incentives for businesses, especially warehouses, to implement renewable energy, including rooftop solar.
3) Educate and inspire – Through grassroots efforts, educate local communities about the harmful effects of climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, storms, etc. Inspire them to make changes through both nature-based, immersive experiences and incentives, such as rebates and projects to decrease home energy costs.
What can local governments, industry, or community groups do to help our region act on your selected priorities?
Provide technical and financial support to residents, small businesses, and nonprofits to make upgrades for increased energy efficiency and durability through extreme weather. Provide local energy solutions navigators to promote, educate, and guide both owners and the contractors who work with them.
Implement the Office of Sustainability programs that have been successful in Louisville in outlying counties. These include Cool Roof Incentive, Solar Over Louisville, Energy Project Assessment District, and the energy reduction strategies for large commercial and municipal buildings.
Fund nonprofits to expand their existing highly effective environmental education efforts.
Thank you for making your voice heard and for taking a stand against climate change!
About the Save Bernheim Now Coalition:
The Save Bernheim Now Coalition strives to mitigate the climate crisis by opposing the Bullitt County pipeline and all new fossil fuel infrastructure. By engaging Kentuckians to demand that LGE-KU act in the best interest of its customers, the public, and the environment, we are standing up for the protection of vital wildlife and the human right to clean, affordable energy and a sustainable future.
Learn more at savebernheimnow.org.
