An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky April 2007
Southern States Energy Board
Southern States Energy Board
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky
Prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
April 26, 2007
Southern States Energy Board 6325 Amherst Court Norcross, Georgia 30092 (770) 242‐7712 (770) 242‐0421 fax
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky was prepared by the Southern States Energy Board in collaboration with the Kentucky Coal Academy (Kentucky Community & Technical College System). The document is intended to be a guide for policy options.
Table of Contents Southern States Energy Board ................................................................................................... i Kentucky Coal Academy ...........................................................................................................ii Pikeville College ........................................................................................................................ iv Background ...................................................................................................................................1 Coal Production and Utilization ...............................................................................................2 Oil and Gas....................................................................................................................................6 Bio‐fuels.........................................................................................................................................7 Renewable Power Options.........................................................................................................9 Energy Efficiency and Conservation......................................................................................12 Summary of Findings................................................................................................................13 Pike County Energy Advisory Board .....................................................................................15 Board Members.......................................................................................................................15 Ex‐Officio Board Members....................................................................................................21 Pike County Fiscal Court.......................................................................................................22 Energy Board Advisors..........................................................................................................22
Southern States Energy Board The Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) is a non‐profit interstate compact organization created in 1960 and established under Public Laws 87‐563 and 92‐440. The Board’s mission is to enhance economic development and the quality of life in the South through innovations in energy and environmental policies, programs and technologies. Sixteen southern states and two territories comprise the membership of SSEB: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia and West Virginia. Each jurisdiction is represented by the governor and a legislator from the House and Senate. A governor serves as the chair and legislators serve as vice‐chair and treasurer. Ex‐officio non‐ voting Board members include a federal representative appointed by the President of the United States, the Southern Legislative Conference Energy and Environment Committee Chair and SSEB’s executive director, who serves as secretary. SSEB was created by state law and consented to by Congress with a broad mandate to contribute to the economic and community well‐being of the southern region. The Board exercises this mandate through the creation of programs in the fields of energy and environmental policy research, development and implementation, science and technology exploration and related areas of concern. SSEB serves its members directly by providing timely assistance designed to develop effective energy and environmental policies and programs and represent its members before governmental agencies at all levels. Core funding for the Board comes from the appropriations of its 18 member jurisdiction legislation. Each member’s share of support is determined by a formula written into the original Compact. The formula uses relative state population, per capita income and equal shares as factors. The Board has not requested an increase in state appropriations since 1987. In addition, SSEB maintains an Associate Members program comprised of industry partners who provide an annual contribution to the Board. Membership includes organizations from the non‐governmental sector, such as corporations, trade associations and public advocacy groups. The Associate Members program provides an opportunity for public officials and industry representatives to exchange ideas, define objectives and advance energy and environmental planning to improve and enhance the South’s economic and environmental well‐being.
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Kentucky Coal Academy The Kentucky coal industry is a vital part of Eastern Kentucky’s economy. In fact, over 8.5% of Kentucky’s coal mining workforce and approximately 80% of the State’s total coal production occur in Eastern Kentucky. However, as our coal industry has matured, its workforce has begun to age, and it is expected that half of Kentucky’s coal miners will reach retirement age in the next five to seven years. To combat this looming problem, on January 4, 2006, Governor Ernie Fletcher announced the establishment of the Kentucky Coal Academy, a major state institution charged with training the mining workforce of the future. Full collegiate academic education as well as career technical training will be available to students prepared to advance their vocation in the mining industry. In tandem with this approach, a key element of the mission of the Kentucky Coal Academy will extend to coal education at the high school level through the Kentucky Junior Coal Academy. The Lawrence County School System, through its Career and Technical Education programs, plans to be an educational training ground for the coal industry by implementing the Kentucky Junior Coal Academy. This extended early educational opportunity will provide three career paths for students interested in the mining industry. These include: 1. Employment in Coal Mining industry directly after high school graduation; 2. Two‐year degree in Pre‐engineering technician or Associate degree in Mining in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System; and 3. Pre‐Engineering (toward 1‐year degree in Mining Engineering). The purpose of the academy is to train and educate the future work force for the Eastern Kentucky coal industry using leading technologies available. The Academy will combine academic courses, with career‐ technical courses focused upon the mining industry. Students enrolling into the Academy will experience a rigorous and challenging curriculum. The Academy’s curriculum will be a combination of both academic and career‐technical course offerings which will provide students with
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both the academic knowledge and the technical skills needed for work in the coal industry. The curriculum for the Kentucky Junior Coal Academy will include seven major components: 1. High‐level academic courses; 2. Advanced Technical Courses; 3. Computer Based Training Modules in mining; 4. Simulator Training; 5. Pre‐Engineering Component (for students pursuing Mining Engineering); 6. Agriculture Major Component (for students pursuing Wildlife/Forestry); and 7. Work‐based Learning Program. Several other components are essential for the success of the Kentucky Junior Coal Academy including individualized Guidance & Counseling, an Advisory Board, a Student‐Centered Marketing Campaign, and Coal Awareness Education. With the focus of the Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) and a well‐rounded curriculum on the mining industry, the student will be extremely marketable in the coal industry employment sector. This model will be viewed as a primary vehicle for promoting the use of coal and playing an important role in the economic growth of Eastern Kentucky from coal. Eastern Kentucky is the heart of the coal business for the Eastern Coast. Therefore, its people must be trained and ready to fulfill this region’s potential. Not only do our natural resources contain rich coal, but a people determined and ready for success. The Kentucky Junior Coal Academy will be a model program, one that is individualized for the student while meeting the needs of industry.
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Pikeville College Pikeville College was established in 1889 as an outreach of the Presbyterian Church, after an extensive survey of the religious and educational needs of eastern Kentucky. An 1887 scouting party, which included Dr. W.C. Condit, Rev. Samuel B. Alderson, and Rev. James P. Hendrick, set forth (in Condit’s words) to “select the location for an institution of higher learning for the youth of the mountains.” September 16, 1889, was the first day of class at Pikeville College Institute, a four‐room, brick building situated on three acres of land in Pikeville, Kentucky. It functioned as both school and church. The institute was not originally intended to confer degrees, but to give “good practical education to those persons who pursue its courses.” At that time, the institute offered schoolwork in primary, preparatory, and “college” departments. In 1909, the structure of the school changed. After obtaining permission from the Synod, the articles of incorporation were amended to make Pikeville College a chartered college, empowered by the Commonwealth of Kentucky to offer four years of college work and confer baccalaureate degrees. Although the college immediately began planning the additional curriculum and faculty needed for this endeavor, the school maintained its commitment to primary and secondary education in the region by sustaining the Pikeville College Academy for grades 1‐12. Pikeville College admitted its first college freshman class in 1916. The final two years of college were not added until 1955, and the first baccalaureate graduation was held in 1957, a year that also marked the closing of the Pikeville College Academy. Pikeville has continued to evolve throughout the years, changing its curricula to meet the changing needs of Appalachia. Currently, students may earn either associate or baccalaureate degrees in a variety of majors in conjunction with a quality liberal arts and science curriculum. As further evidence of its commitment to the health and well being of the Appalachian region, in the fall of 1997 Pikeville College admitted its first students into the newly established Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine. Pikeville College will train students from the region who, upon graduation, will receive the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) and will have the opportunity to remain in the region to serve its people. The motto of the College is “Prospiciam ad Montes” or “Look to the Mountains.” When people in the valley below do so, they see a thriving college dedicated to the education of its people. What began as only a dream has endured more than a century of strife and prosperity, emerging as a leader in central Appalachia. iv
Background Pike County, located in eastern Kentucky, is the largest county in land area in the Commonwealth. According to the last census, the population of the County in 2000 was 68,736. Since then the population has suffered a steady decline and now stands at 66,454. The Pike County School District has the sixth largest pupil enrollment in the State. The County has an unemployment rate of 6.7 percent and a poverty rate of 20.7 percent. The per capita personal income for the County is $22,328 and the median household income is $26,748. In 2005, mining was the largest employer of the 20 major sectors with an average wage per job of $53,066. Pike County has an average weekly wage of $626.
problems with energy efficiency. Furthermore, Kentucky’s schools spend 7 percent more per student on their monthly electric bill than the national average. The average industrial bill is 123 percent more than the national average. Kentucky’s peak electricity is expected to grow an average rate of 1.7 percent requiring approximately 7,000 MW of additional generation by 2025. Ninety‐ five percent of the Commonwealth’s electricity is generated from coal‐fired power plants. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Kentucky ranked third in coal production in 2002, behind West Virginia and Wyoming, despite suffering a significant decline over the last decade. Since 1990, Kentucky coal production has decreased by 67 million tons. For every one million ton of coal produced, 130 miners are employed at wages in excess of $50,000 per year. However, Kentucky’s coal industry continues to employ large amounts of people even though it has been on a downward trend since the 1970’s. Currently the industry is a facing an extreme shortage of qualified miners due to retirements of the current generation and a lack of training for the new generation. The average age of a
According to the Kentucky Comprehensive Energy Strategy, residents of the State have enjoyed the lowest cost residential electricity rates in the Nation. In 2005, the average retail rate in Kentucky was 4.47 cents per kilowatt‐hour (kWh). This is 40 percent below the national average rate. The rates are 9 percent lower than West Virginia, 12 percent lower than Tennessee, and 32 percent lower than Ohio residents. Despite having the lowest rates in the Nation, Kentucky residents on average paid 1 percent more than West Virginians even though their rates are lower. This is due to 1
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
miner in Kentucky is 48 and half of the work force will have to be replaced within five to seven years. There are more than 419 coal companies throughout the Commonwealth, which are providing $8.9 billion in total annual economic activity.
Energy’s No. 1; Massey Energy’s White Cabin No. 7; Miller Brothers’ Trap Branch; R & R Mining’s Mine No. 30; and James River’s Mine No. 23) totaling 3.7 million short tons, more than offsetting the declines in production at various other Eastern Kentucky mines in 2005.1
Coal Production and Utilization
As outlined in the table below (Net Generation by Energy Source, 2004 vs. 2005), coal use in the United States will continue to play a majority role in generation, which places Pike County at a very important crossroad in regard to future generation.2 The decisions that
Coal will continue to play the lead role in Pike County’s energy future. The County must ensure the future development of coal and should evaluate these policy options as mechanisms to maximize current development and foster future growth. Currently, Pike County is considered a leader in the Nation in coal extraction and processing. The County is strategically located in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field, which is the most significant coal producing region in the State. According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), Eastern Kentucky coal production was 93.3 million short tons in 2005, up by 2.5 million short tons or 2.7 percent above 2004, reversing a three‐year declining trend. The increases in production was partly driven by five mines (Matrix
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/acr/acr_ sum.html#fes1 2 http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/acr/acr_ sum.html#fes1 1
2 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
• Continue to support coal with capital investments in infrastructure and financial incentives for the continued production of coal.
the County makes regarding coal development will shape the future dependence on coal as a majority source of generation. Coal consumption in the electric power sector increased 21.2 million short tons in 2005. Favorable decisions to the coal industry will provide economic gains to Pike County as coal prices rise across the board for the second year in a row. Coal mining will also play a major role in employment for Kentucky residents into the future. Currently, according to data provided by the EIA, mining operations in Eastern Kentucky coal mines account for employment of approximately 14,290 people. For these employees, future economic security depends on positive development and continued growth in Pike County’s 112 coal mines. Currently, coal production in Pike County is about 28 million short tons.3 Thereby, it is the fifth largest in the country in terms of coal production. The production levels in Pike County rival most entire states.
• Support the Kentucky Coal Academy at Big Sandy Community College and the Kentucky Junior Coal Academy. • Create partnerships with the coal academies to allow for the recruitment of students at Pike County’s six public high schools. Additionally, create and encourage “energy days,” which would celebrate the long history of coal in Pike County, along with the development of curriculum, programs, and seminars on coal and natural gas to stimulate and encourage the student body and the community to be active in the coal and natural gas industry. • Recruit companies, which will construct generation capacity directly at the coal sites, reducing waste and transportation costs.
Based on these findings, the Southern States Energy Board recommends the following policy options:
Related to coal development, coal‐to‐ liquids and clean coal technologies will play an important role in the future of the coal industry. These technologies, while beginning to emerge in the market now, involve new ways of processing coal for generation and other uses. Currently, the Southern States Energy
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/acr/tabl e2.html 3
3 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
• Pike County should review current environmental regulations and policies to determine if, how and when current generation facilities need to update environmental controls and procedures.
Board is leading a national initiative to develop a comprehensive plan for the United States to establish energy security and independence through the production of alternative oil and liquid transportation fuel from its vast domestic resources, including coal. The American Energy Security Study is available at: www.americanenergysecuritystudy.org
Thus far the policy options provided in this report have outlined methods of economic development by both capitalizing on current resources and production and exploring new opportunities through emerging technologies. These options address both expanding current markets and building news ones. However, simple issues of aesthetics and concerns over the environment can also lead to economic growth and development.
The Study establishes that the United States is facing a liquid fuels crisis and is in a perfect situation to end the crisis. According to the Study, America has the world’s largest alternative liquid fuels resource base of coal, biomass, and oil shale to substitute for conventional oil imports. Using these resources, the United States can substantially reduce and ultimately eliminate its dependence on foreign oil. Pike County can support these efforts through the following policy options:
An effective and complete energy policy is one that seeks a balance between growth and the environment. Major questions exist over: when is it appropriate to mine, what must be protected; what to do with abandoned mines, and how are used lands reclaimed; what about impacts to water, air, and health?
• Pike County should encourage that any new construction of generation capacity be clean coal facilities. This strategy can include the construction of integrated gasification combined cycle plants and plants using coal gasification.
A sustainable energy policy must address all of these concerns. The fight for this balance begins at the city and county level, as they are the frontlines for development.
• These plants should consider the benefits of operating as a “polygen” plant, which can produce many other products, including the co‐ production of hydrogen, from the waste and many bi‐products of coal.
A key component to reclamation activities is reforestation, particularly reforestation using high value hardwood trees. Before the activities of surface mining in the Appalachian 4
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
a variety of locations. At the county level little can be done to aid carbon sequestration efforts. However, some areas of Pike County are currently being studied as possible locations for carbon sequestration through SSEB’s Southeastern Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (SECARB). Many new technologies will emerge over the coming years, which will open added possibilities for carbon sequestration. Some of these carbon management practices include the use of carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery and coal bed methane recovery. Pipelines that carry carbon dioxide will be used in many industrial processes in the future. The following policy options exist for Pike County related to carbon sequestration:
region, the vast majority of that land supported forests. With the replanting of these trees within the next 50 to 100 years, these lands could be forests again, enhancing the surrounding landscape while providing environmental benefits. SSEB recommends that Pike County consider the following policy options regarding reforestation practices: • Promote aggressive reclamation practices among its current mines. These reclamation practices must include a strong reforestation plan, the possibility of creating a wildlife habitat, and the restoration of any water bodies that are located in and around the mine. Specifically, Pike County should encourage the planting of high‐value hardwoods such as white oak, red oak, white ash, black walnut, yellow poplar, royal paulownia and eastern white pine.
• Pike County can aid these efforts by ensuring that all possible land is made available to this study’s efforts. • If locations for carbon sequestration are identified, tax incentives/breaks will need to be issued to offset the costs of carbon reduction.
• Creation of areas which will encourage eco‐tourism, agriculture, or recreational hunting and other recreational activities through reforestation and reclamation practices. The point of reclamation should always be improving environmental quality while creating commercial opportunity.
• Pike County officials may desire to monitor the Boulder, Colorado, carbon credit program passed through an ordinance in late 2006. Outreach will play an important role in expanding markets and increasing current generation. According to the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy, the Kentucky coal industry brought $3.25 billion into the State during Fiscal Year
In addition to reforestation practices, pollution can be offset through a process known as carbon sequestration. This method removes carbon in the atmosphere and captures and stores it in 5
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
• Appoint/hire an individual as County energy manager to coordinate all energy‐related activities among various county agencies including the school system to ensure increased cooperation and coordination.
2004‐05 through coal sales to customers in 23 other states and 4 foreign countries.4 With growing competition coming from not only foreign counties, increased production in western states is beginning to impact coal mining operations in Eastern Kentucky. Continued growth in the coal industry will require aggressive policy making. Some policy options regarding outreach are listed below:
Oil and Gas Petroleum exploration began in Pike County in the final years of the nineteenth century when, using oxen, a drilling rig was transported to the head of Meathouse Fork of Big Creek to the farm of Thomas Benton Smith, and a well was drilled into a large uplift dome formation. The result was not oil but natural gas, and this farm continues to have producing natural gas wells today. Everyday natural gas flares blaze across much of the Middle East and other parts of the world. These flares burn‐off 10 billion cubic feet of energy, which is equal to nearly two million barrels of crude oil each day. In this instance, this is abandoned natural gas that is lost due to the lack of transportability. In Pike County, there is tremendous potential to develop the natural gas that is abundant throughout Pike County and East Kentucky. There have been 6,267 oil and gas wells with permits in Pike County. For a number of years, Pike County has been the largest natural gas producer in Kentucky. In the year 2000, over 31 billion cubic feet were produced. Due
• Begin a media campaign to attract industry to Pike County focusing specifically on energy industries, such as new advanced clean coal technology plants, biofuel plants, coal‐to‐liquids and renewable projects. • Begin sponsoring Energy Awareness month in October of each year in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy and the U.S. Department of Energy. • Support other state and national campaigns on energy efficiency and conservation. • Work with the Kentucky representative of the National Energy Education and Development Project to implement an energy education curriculum in the County school system.
D:\Temporary Internet Files\OLK1F\Online KY Coal Facts.htm 4
6 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
and development of deeper drilling methods, directional drilling.5 • Pike County should consider the benefits of new technologies in the natural gas industry that includes gas to liquid and other methods of converting natural gas into other forms of marketable energy. • Continue to support natural gas through capital investments in infrastructure, as well as financial incentives, to maintain its competitiveness in the market. • Encourage the use of natural gas in the diversification of fleet vehicles and/or mass transit systems in use by the school system and governmental agencies. • Encourage the use of natural gas in the development of alterative fuels, such as biofuels as a blending option.
to advances in well completion techniques, the success rate for gas wells in Pike County in recent years has been 100 percent. Pike County’s oil production historically has been from small pools in upper formations while natural gas production has been concentrated in the Devonian‐ age Ohio Shale formation, which at many points is over 1,000 feet thick. Deeper formations also are being developed, and Pike County remains one of the largest natural gas provinces in the Eastern United States. Due to the increased volumes of production in the Big Sandy field, the output of many wells has been constrained due to lack of pipeline capacity. Two major 20‐inch interstate pipelines are being developed by Atmos Energy and Equitrans and have been authorized by FERC and other regulatory agencies to be constructed to provide more transportation capacity from neighboring counties. It is expected that production from Pike County will substantially increase due to space being freed in existing interstate pipelines serving Pike County. One focus for conservation of natural gas to liquid would be blending the main component of natural gas, methane, with pure oxygen under head and pressure to produce synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Another alternative fuel potential for natural gas is the research
Bio‐fuels It is estimated by the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Energy Policy that “production of biodiesel is expected to jump from 2 million gallons annually to 70 million gallons by Fall 2007 in the State.”6 Currently 23 school systems throughout the Commonwealth of 5
Energy Bulletin (www.energybulletin.net): Article: “’Stranded’ Natural Gas to Liquid Fuel, is it time?” 6 http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/
7 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
Kentucky are using a B20 blend; however, Pike County is not one of those school systems. Production of biofuels in Kentucky is growing at a rapid pace, which prompts aggressive policy making to ensure that demand continues to outpace the growth in supply. Increased local demand can create a substantial energy market throughout the Commonwealth. A necessary first step for Pike County to capitalize on this growth would be to: • Mandate that the county fleet of school buses begin the use of biodiesel in the blend of B20. • Encourage the use of recycled cooking oils from schools and local businesses in the production of biofuels for the County fleet. provide for a necessary carbon reduction and operate cheaper, as flexible fuel usually costs less than a traditional gallon of gasoline. Currently, the State Fleet uses 1,250 Ford & GM FFV sedans and pickups; the Fort Knox Military Reservation uses 49 E85 vehicles; Louisville’s Metro Government operates eight E85 vehicles; and, Mammoth Cave National Park is the first 100% alternative fueled fleet in Kentucky with 16 E85 vehicles.8 Pike County is poised to become the state‐ wide leader in biofuels through the following policy options:
The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition explains E90 and E85 as an alcohol‐ based liquid fuel. Ethanol is a renewable fuel and is made from corn, sugar cane or carbohydrate feedstock. All vehicles are capable of running on an ethanol blend below 10 percent. Vehicles capable of operating on E85 can be purchased from the auto manufacturers today. They are popularly known as “flexible‐fuel vehicles” (FFV), meaning they can operate on E85 or gasoline or any mixture of both.7 These vehicles http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/ethanol/1eth anol.html
http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/ethanol/suc cessstories.html
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• Mandate that all new purchases of County vehicles be flex‐fuel vehicles that can burn E85. Furthermore, mandate that all current vehicles begin using a blend of E90.
are used to generate electricity, utilities will sponsor green power pricing programs for voluntary participation. Pike County has the opportunity to broaden its economic base by exploring the development of renewable energy as a component for energy production.
• Provide incentives for local refueling station owners to begin adding E85 pumps and labeling other biofuels sold in their stations to heighten consumer awareness.
According to the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy, green power pricing is widely available across the Commonwealth.9 Green power pricing is a term that applies to electricity that is either entirely or partially generated from renewable energy sources. Green power allows the consumer to choose whether or not to participate in the development of renewable energy by purchasing blocks of electricity generated from green sources. Utilities in and around Pike County do offer green pricing as an alternative to its consumers. Pike County could
Finally, and possibly one of the best opportunities for Pike County, is to consider the impact of co‐firing in power plants to limit carbon emissions. • Pike County should support co‐ firing forest residues with coal in new power plants. • Also, Pike County can encourage existing plants to retrofit their processes to accommodate co‐firing. However, current federal regulations may hinder using this process on existing plants.
Renewable Power Options Renewable energy sources will reduce carbon emissions and provide an alternative to fossil fuels, thereby reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign energy sources. The energy is produced from a continually replenishing source. In addition to biofuels, renewable energy can include wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, and a potential energy source of the future, hydrogen. When these sources
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9 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
consider:
recently concluded Phase 1 of a study examining the impacts of using geothermal heat pumps in elementary schools. The results from the survey comparing school systems that deployed the technology are promising.11 Pike County schools were not a participant in this study.
• Purchasing blocks of green power for its government buildings. • Supporting a media campaign informing and encouraging residents of Pike County to purchase green power from their utility company, such as providing informational inserts in utility bills.
The Pike County Board of Education has been very progressive in the development of energy efficiency, energy conservation, and research into the use of alternative fuel and energy use, such as geothermal. The incorporation of geothermal engineering alone has reduced the relative cost of two school facilities to half the operational costs of comparable older structures where geothermal was no incorporated into the design and construction of those facilities
In addition to electric generation from renewable energy resources, studies indicate that Kentucky has a vast potential for pursuing geothermal energy in the form of geothermal heat pumps. Other geothermal technologies would not be effective in Kentucky, as the energy available is only through low‐temperature resources.10 Nevertheless, the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy has identified geothermal energy, otherwise known as “ground‐ source” energy, as widely available in the State. This resource could be capitalized by using it in small scale operations, which would provide heating or cooling (during the summer the process can be reversed to pump heat into the ground) to buildings using the ground source heat pump. Geothermal applications would further reduce emissions in the State and greatly impact cost savings. The Governor’s Office of Energy Policy
Based on the findings of this study and the advantages of geothermal heat pumps in Kentucky, the following actions are relevant: • Request that the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy include Pike County as part of their study on using heat pumps at elementary schools for Phase 2. • Encourage any small to medium scale manufacturing operations in
http://www.eere.energy.gov/states/alternatives/r esources_ky.cfm
http://www.kppc.org/resources/workshops/E2/ KPPC%20GHP%20Study.pdf
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10 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
the County to begin using heat pumps at their offices and plants. According the Global Wind Energy Council, wind energy is second to natural gas in new power generation with 15,197 MW installed across the globe in 2006. Unfortunately, Kentucky is not as equally blessed with wind energy as it is with geothermal energy. Current studies indicate Kentucky does not have sufficient wind resources for large scale wind turbines or wind farms; however, small turbines may be applicable in some areas of the State. Pike County is one of these areas. As depicted in the map above, Pike County is listed in the marginal to fair category making it a potential location for small‐scale wind turbines.12 These turbines could be used at locations from the local Wal‐Mart to the County Courthouse. As with other sources of renewable energy, wind power can also substantially reduce
power bills for any consumer using the technology. Based on these findings: • Pike County could explore wind as a viable source of electricity in discussions with East Kentucky Power Cooperative representatives. • Pike County also could provide financing and/or coordinate large group purchases of small turbines for those businesses interested in using wind energy in the County. Solar energy is also a viable alternative in Kentucky. Passive solar design uses sunlight to heat and provides “day‐ lighting” to buildings to reduce the demand for electricity. Also, using low level solar collectors to heat swimming pools or low‐cost solar collectors at the sides of buildings can provide economic advantages to the consumer and extend the swimming season by several months. According to the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy, solar energy also can be used to dry timber, which then can be burned during the winter
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months.13 Several incentives are available at the State level.
cycle cost comparison of at least two types of energy‐efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment is conducted.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
• Pike County can conduct a review of all current energy efficiency requirements and ensure that all of those are being enforced and have been implemented.
The emergence of new technologies has opened the door to energy savings and independence. Energy efficiency and conservation are the most effective tools for counties in addressing energy concerns. Sometimes these efforts are as basic as changing a light bulb, but can provide a large impact on costs and consumption. Some of these options are listed below:
• Pike County should explore building codes for commercial and residential facilities to determine the value of and feasibility of requiring all buildings to meet, at a minimum, Energy Star or LEED standards.
• Pike County can mandate that all HID fixtures, specifically streetlights, be upgraded and replaced with the AURORA electronic ballasts, which can provide up to 40 percent savings per unit. The cost of the upgrade is mitigated by the large energy savings and reduction of consumption. Many municipalities are beginning to make this switch. This is state of the art technology which became available two years ago.14
• Pike County should conduct energy audits on all county buildings. These audits should be comprehensive including how much power is used in government buildings during closed hours. • Pike County should contract for “cost recovery” programs to determine if the county is entitled to any refunds and/or cost savings from their energy providers. (Example: Rensselaer County, New York, received a refund of nearly $400,000 from their local energy provider when they underwent a complete utility bill audit, according to the National Association of County Officials (NACO). In addition, Grand Tranverse County, Michigan, realized benefits from a thorough review of energy and
• Pike County should, on every bid for new construction or for upgrading existing facilities, ensure that a life‐ http://www.energy.ky.gov/dre3/renewable/solar .htm 14 http://www.auroraballast.com/ 13
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3. Mandate that all HID fixtures, specifically streetlights, be upgraded and replaced with the AURORA electronic ballast.
telecom costs that resulted in the identification of taxes billed in error.
Summary of Findings
4. Contact the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy to discuss how Pike County elementary schools can become a participant in Phase 2 of their study on utilizing heat pumps.
This document has presented a number of options to Pike County outlining possible actions to consider in developing an energy strategy for the future. These options address coal, biofuels, renewable power – specifically, wind and geothermal, energy efficiency and conservation. At any level of government, options may be endless but the means to accomplish these options are not. Therefore, for Pike County to be successful in its energy endeavors it is not required to adopt a plethora of rules and regulations; rather, we advise officials to identify a few action areas to implement in the near‐term that can substantially affect energy consumption and cost savings. Based on SSEB’s analysis, five immediate action items are identified:
5. Conduct energy audits on all county buildings and contract for cost recovery services through the National Association of County Officials to examine all utility costs and billings for the County including the school system. The implementation of these recommendations also will place Pike County as a leader in energy policy throughout the Commonwealth. Furthermore, the most important element to consider while moving forward in developing an energy strategy is that any energy policy developed in Pike County should be consistent with the Commonwealth’s energy strategy. Also, beginning with their recommendations (many of which are contained in this report) will provide for important cost savings and energy development locally. It is important for a state and region to have consistent policy in order to achieve a greater level of development for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
1. Continue to support coal with capital investments in infrastructure and financial incentives for competitive production of coal. Support the mining workforce of the future through strong support for, and participation in, the Kentucky Coal Academy and the Junior Coal Academy. 2. Mandate that the county fleet of schools buses begin to use biodiesel in the blend of B20.
Finally, many recommendations on energy, water, and the economy, are 13
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
made by the Big Sandy Area Development District’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, June 2005. Building a regional energy policy with neighboring counties and/or localities would be an effective step for Pike County to take. This approach also is an excellent opportunity for Pike County to assume a regional leadership role. Therefore, a final recommendation of this report is that Pike County begin negotiations with neighboring counties to form an Eastern Kentucky Energy Coalition. Energy matters almost always transcend geographic boundaries. Building a regional perspective and developing a regional energy strategy can provide greater cost savings to the consumers and important consistency to utilities and businesses servicing the community.
14 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
continues to serve on the board of the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research. He has a B.S. in mathematics and industrial technology from Morehead State University. Dr. Rodney Andrews. Dr. Rodney Andrews is Acting Director of the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research. Prior to that appointment, he was Associate Director of CAER responsible for the Carbon Materials group. He has worked on coal conversion processes for the development of advanced materials for 12 years. His research interests include production of pitches and heavy aromatics from coal and other fossil resources, biomass utilization for fuels and chemicals, carbon fiber and composites, activated carbon materials, pitch chemistry and characterization, and energy storage. Dr. Andrews has directed several multi‐university and industry‐academy collaborative projects. He is currently a member of the Executive Committee for the DOE Consortium on Premium Carbon Products from Coal and a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for the Journal Carbon. Dr. Andrews received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky.
Pike County Energy Advisory Board
Board Members
Mr. Robert Addington. Mr. Robert Addington is Chairman of EnviRes. Mr. Addington has a 30 year history of large‐scale success in the energy business. He and his brothers have built several of the largest independent coal companies in the U.S. For almost as long as he’s been in the mining business, Mr. Addington has been working on and investing in alternative energy technologies. One of the companies he owns a significant interest in and manages is Envires, LLC, which is commercializing a breakthrough approach to coal and biomass gasification, trademarked Hymelt®. Another of his companies, DTX Technologies, is the developer of DTX Oil’s innovative process to reclaim/re‐ fine used lubricating oil. Robert Addington has also helped to form or acquire and manage successful companies engaged in municipal waste landfills; oil & gas exploration and production; mining equipment design and commercialization; and gold exploration and mining. Mr. Addington has served on the advisory boards of the National coal Foundation and the Kentucky Energy Policy Board, and 15
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
Don Blankenship. Don L. Blankenship is President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Massey Energy Company, a New York Stock Exchange Fortune 1000 company. Born March 14, 1950, in Stopover, Kentucky, Blankenship is a native and current resident of America’s Appalachian mountains, home to some of the highest quality coal in the world. He began working in coalmines at 19 years of age. This year will be his 17th as President of Massey. He is a certified public accountant and was recently inducted into the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Business and Industry Hall of Fame. He also received the “Most Distinguished Alumni” award and was inducted into the “Business Hall of Fame” at his alma mater, Marshall University. Blankenship serves on the Board of Directors of the U.S. National Mining Association, the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of CEED (Center for Energy and Economic Development). During Blankenship’s tenure at Massey, the company’s value has multiplied eightfold; its reserve holdings have tripled; and it has become the largest producer of metallurgical coal in the U.S., the largest coal company in the U.S. Central Appalachia region, and the fourth largest coal company in America based on produced coal revenue. Mr. Jimmy Carter. With FerrellGas Partners LP for five years, Jimmy Carter
has been a District Manager, Regional Manager, and General Manager. He was selected to serve on the inaugural General Manager Council Advisory Board, which is a committee to move the company forward from ideas derived in the field. He was named Manager of the Year in 2004 and 2005. He has traveled extensively throughout country training managers on new software/geo‐coding delivery system that was implemented 2 years ago. Carter is entering second term as Pikeville City Commissioner. In addition, he served on Board of Directors of Pikeville Medical Center. He is a graduate of Morehead State University with an emphasis in Real Estate. Mrs. Judy Casalino. Mrs. Casalino is owner of Black Burn Natural Resources, Inc., a company acquiring coal contracts and mining equipment for sale on the world market. In addition, Mrs. Casalino is President of Black Burn Exploration, a natural gas exploration and development company. She is a partner in Chloe Creek, LLC, as well as Judith Casalino Personal Ventures. She is a former Director of Coal Sales for Branham and Baker Coal Company. Casalino is Chairman and Director of Lifeline Pike County and is a member of the Kentucky Council on Agriculture. Mr. Terry Coleman. Mr. Coleman served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rhino Energy LLC (formerly CAM Holdings LLC) from May 2003 to March 31, 2007. Rhino Energy is an 16
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
Board. Mr. Colley holds an undergraduate degree from Pikeville College and did post graduate work at Southern Mississippi University. He is an honorably discharged United States Marine. Mr. David Gooch. David Gooch is the President of Coal Operators & Associates, Inc., a coal trade association with headquarters in Pikeville, Kentucky that represents more than 250 companies. His principal duties with the association involve government and regulatory affairs, both on the state and national levels. Gooch has served in various leadership capacities with numerous other groups affiliated with the coal industry including: The Kentucky Mining Institute’s Board of Directors, The Kentucky Coal Council’s Education Committee, Past Chairman of NMA’s Regulatory Assistance Program, Member of various National Mining Association Committees, Charter VP of CEDAR, Inc., Charter Vice‐President of the Kentucky Homes Safety Council, Founder and President of the former Kentucky Independent Coal Alliance, Former President of the Kentucky Coal Journal. He also serves on the board of directors of the Kentucky Labor Management Conference. Mr. Lloyd Hall. A graduate of Virgie High School and Murray State University, Mr. Hall has been active in the natural gas and petroleum industry for over 30 years. He is currently Vice‐ President with Equitable Resources, Inc.
integrated coal company headquartered in Kentucky with active operations in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio and Colorado and owns non‐operating assets in Pennsylvania and Illinois. Prior to joining Rhino Energy, he owned Coleman and Company, a consulting firm that offered services to the energy and financial services industries. Prior to establishing Coleman & Company, Mr. Coleman was an owner and officer of Sunny Ridge Enterprises, Inc., an integrated coal company located in Pike County, Kentucky and was Chief Executive Officer of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc., a publicly traded commercial bank holding company headquartered in Pikeville, Kentucky. Community Trust is a significant provider of financial services to the coal industry in the Central Appalachian region. Mr. Coleman has been involved in the coal industry and coal related industries for over 30 years. Mr. Coleman is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Mr. Theodore T. Colley. A leader in the business community, Mr. Colley is presently Chairman and CEO of K‐V‐ WV Traffic Control. He is past president of Three Season, Incorporated and Colley & Ramsey Coal Company. He has held business interests in Colley Block Company, Inc. and Industrial Coals, Inc. He is former Secretary of Public Protection for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He presently serves as the Vice‐Chairman of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation 17
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
Hon. Gary C. Johnson. Gary C. Johnson was born on November 2, 1946, at Dorton, Kentucky. Gary attended Berea College, Berea, Kentucky, where he received his B.S. Degree in 1969. He attended the University of Kentucky College of Law and received his J.D. Degree in 1973. Upon attaining his law degree, Gary returned to Pike County, Kentucky, where he has practiced law for 34 years. Gary served as Pike County Attorney from 1978 until July of 1997, and represented the 31st Legislative District as State Senator from 1998 until 2000. Dr. Frank Justice, II. Dr. Franklin D. Justice, II, known as “Frankie” to his family, friends, and community, began public service as a Pikeville City Commissioner in January, 2001. Wanting to further serve his community, he sought and was elected to the office of Mayor in 2003. Unopposed in the 2006 election, Dr. Justice will begin his second term as mayor on January 1, 2007. Dr. Justice is a 1979 graduate of Pikeville High School. He attended the University of Kentucky and in 1997 graduated from the Auburn School of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to his civic duties, Dr. Justice owns and operates two restaurants and has 15 years experience in the coal mining industry and the natural gas industry. Mr. Jerome Kanney. Mr. Kanney is a graduate of Findlay College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree earning
He is the recipient of the Holt’s Northeast United States Environmental Award in 1999. In addition, he has been awarded the Eastern States Oil and Gas Presidential Award of Excellence and the Ashland Exploration Presidential Award of Excellence. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Kentucky Oil and Gas Association. Mr. John Huff. A native of Miamisburg, Ohio, Mr. Huff is presently Vice‐President of Berkeley Energy Corporation. He has been a land agent for Whitaker Coal Corporation, Citation Coal Corporation and Utah International, Inc. Mr. Huff holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. He is on the Board of Directors of Coal Operators and Associates in Pikeville, Kentucky. Mrs. Tina Hurley. Mrs. Hurley is the Vice‐President of H & D Development, Cherokee Equipment, P.E.I. and Little Boyd Coal Company. As a female, she is one of the largest investors in Cut‐ Thru Hydrocarbon, a natural gas exploration and drilling company. She earned her B. S. in Accounting and Business Management from Pikeville College. In addition, she is Vice‐ President of the Pikeville College Alumni Association and serves on the Pikeville YMCA Budget and Fund‐ raising Committee. She is active with Habitat for Humanity. 18
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
functions. Prior to his current position, Mosher served as president of AEP‐ Kentucky, where he oversaw AEP’s public policy and environmental advocacy activities in the Commonwealth. Mosher holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Detroit‐Mercy and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Akron. Additionally, he is a graduate of AEP executive training programs at the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia. Mr. Dennis Rohrer. Mr. Rohrer began his career in 1963, when he worked as an area manager at the Buck Hill Ski Resort in near Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1973, Rohrer and three other partners established what would become a very successful tree removal service called Total Trees, Inc. Although moving to Kentucky wasn’t something he had originally planned on doing, in 1980, one of his friends from Minnesota told him about the booming oil and gas business in eastern Kentucky, and Rohrer ventured to the area to see what it had to offer. Rohrer served as vice president of United Recoveries, Inc. and was a consultant to the oil and gas industry with his own business DLR Enterprises, Inc. Rohrer soon put down roots in Pikeville, and in 1989 he joined Kanney to form Interstate Natural Gas, a gas and oil company which would service eastern Kentucky.
majors in accounting and business administration and a minor in marketing. Kanney moved to Saginaw, Michigan where he worked as a staff accountant for the firm of Ernst & Ernst. In 1977, he moved to Pikeville where he became vice president of Pikeville National Bank and Trust Company. Shortly afterward, Kanney developed and opened his own CPA firm in his adopted hometown of Pikeville. Jerome A. Kanney, CPA, PSC, quickly grew from a company with a single employee (himself) to a staff of multiple CPAs and accountants. Kanney entered the oil and gas business in 1989 as a partner in Interstate Natural Gas with businessman and friend Dennis Rohrer. Michael R. Litafik. Mr. Litafik is a partner in Cut Thru Hydrocarbon, one of Eastern Kentuckyʹs largest local independent producers and suppliers of natural gas. Mr. Litafik, an accountant, is the owner of Creek Consulting and is a longtime entrepreneur with experience in the coal business among other ventures, including L&M Mart at Kimper in Pike County. He is a graduate of Pikeville College. Mr. Tim Mosher. Tim Mosher is president and chief operating officer for Kentucky Power. As president he oversees distribution operations serving 175,000 AEP customers in Eastern Kentucky as well as the operating unit’s safety, customer services, marketing, communications, community affairs, governmental affairs and regulatory 19
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
Hon. Wayne T. Rutherford. Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford is currently serving his fifth term as the chief executive of Kentucky’s largest county. A longtime advocate of sound energy policy and the utilization of Pike County’s myriad coal and natural gas reserves for development, Rutherford has consistently been at the forefront of energy issues. Through his leadership, the Pike County Energy Board has been established. Mr. Richard “Hank” Salyer. Active for over 35 years in the energy industry, Mr. Salyer has owned and operated various coal companies in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, including Interstate Trucking Company, Inferno Coals, Inc., Chapel Leasing Corporation, Labco, LLC. Salyer has participated in natural gas ventures through the Appalachian region. In addition, Governors Wallace Wilkinson and Brereton Jones appointed Mr. Salyer to assist with the drafting of several legislative bills in the Kentucky General Assembly and appointed him to the Department of Mines and Minerals’ Board of Education, Training and Certification. Bob Shurtleff. Bob Shurtleff is customer and distribution operations manager of Kentucky Power’s Pikeville Service District. He has served in his current position since July 2006. In this position he oversees all electricity distribution operations serving
customers in Pike, Floyd, Knott, Martin, Johnson, Morgan and Magoffin Counties. Mr. Shurtleff joined AEP in 1985. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he was a two‐year starter for the University of Kentucky Wildcat Football team. Jack Sykes, PE, PLS. Mr. Sykes has been a principal and President of Summit Engineering, Inc. since its establishment in October 1977. Mr. Sykes has been a principal and President of Summit Engineering, Inc. since its establishment in October 1977. He has performed technical review and been in the position of responsible person in charge for many projects handled by the firm. Some of the projects Mr. Sykes has been associated with have included forecasts and feasibility studies, residential and commercial development, construction supervision, roadway design, design of water and wastewater handling and treatment facilities, control surveying and mapping, earth fill designs, mineral reserve evaluation, preparation of mine plans, design of coal handling facilities, mine permitting, mine land reclamation, land surveying, and golf course design. Mr. Sykes serves as a Principal‐in‐ Charge for municipal engineering projects handled through Summit’s corporate headquarters in Pikeville, KY. These services have included initial site investigations (geotechnical, mapping and project scoping), project design, preparation of specifications, cost estimations, construction inspection and 20
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
/or management for various projects. He is holds both B.S. AND M.S. degrees from the University of Kentucky and is a member of both the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Mr. Sykes is on the Board of Directors of Coal Operators and Associates. Roger Wagner. Mr. Wagner is the Superintendent of the Pike County Schools.
Legislative Research Commission. Additionally, he has been selected to serve on the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB), a non‐profit interstate organization dedicated to enhancing economic development throughout the region. He was recently elected as the Southern Legislative Conferenceʹs Vice‐ Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. In addition, he is employed by Appalachian Fuels in Cannonsburg, where he is Director of Public Affairs. State Senator Ray S. Jones, II. Ray Jones II, State Senator of the 31st District since 2001, is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Louisville School of Law. Senator Jones is a strong champion of education, and has played a vital role in obtaining funding for primary and post‐secondary classrooms throughout East Kentucky. In the Senate, Ray Jones, continues to support the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA), due to this successful piece of legislation schools now offer family resource and youth service centers, early childhood education programs and have more technology in the classroom than ever before. State Representative Hubert Collins. Mr. Collins is State Representative from the 97th House District. He represents Johnson and Martin, as well as parts of Floyd and Pike Counties. He is the longest serving State Representative from the 97th District, serving since 1991. He is a native of Johnson County, Kentucky. Mr. Collins serves as the
Ex‐Officio Board Members Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins. State Representative Rocky Adkins currently serves as House Majority Floor Leader after being chosen for the post by his Democratic colleagues in November 2003. A long‐time veteran of the Kentucky House of Representatives, he is now serving in his 20th year as a legislator. In 1986, Representative Adkins was elected to the 99th House District at the age of 26, making him one of the youngest members ever elected to serve. Representative Adkins quickly accumulated legislative responsibilities and served on a number of influential committees, including the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation. As a member of House Leadership, Representative Adkins serves as a member of the Rules Committee, the Committee on Committees, and the 21
An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
Chairman of the Transportation Committee, as well as serving as a member of the House Education and Natural Resources Committees. He is the Chairman of the Mountain Caucus. He is a veteran of the United States Army and is a graduate of Morehead State University. State Representative Leslie Combs. Elected in 2006, Representative Combs is a member of the House Transportation Committee, of which she serves as Vice‐Chair; Tourism Development and Energy, as well as the Interim Committee on Economic Development. She is Special Assistant to the President at Pikeville College, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of ARH Hospital of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, of which is a two‐term past President. State Representative W. Keith Hall. First elected in 2001, Mr. Hall is in his fourth term as State Representative for Pike County’s 93rd District. He presently serves on the following committees: House Committees on Appropriations and Revenue, Tourism Development and Energy, and Natural Resources and Environment, and Interim Committees for Appropriations and Revenue, Economic Development and Tourism, Agriculture and Natural Resources. In addition, he President and CEO of Benetech Mining Materials, Inc. He attended the University of Kentucky.
Pike County Fiscal Court Hon. Jeff Anderson Hon. Vernon Johnson Hon. Leo Murphy Hon. Kenneth Robinson Hon. Hilman Dotson Hon. Christian Harris
Energy Board Advisors
Mr. Roger Ford. Mr. Ford is Director for Energy & Technology for Pike County Government. A graduate of Pikeville College, he holds a B.A. in History and Political Science. In addition, he attended Morehead State University with Master’s level coursework in Finance, Real Estate Analysis, and Computer Information Systems. During his research assistantship, he co‐authored a study through the IRRP at MSU on economic development practices in the Appalachia through a grant from the Kentucky Appalachian Commission and the Appalachian Regional Commission. He is a former legislative aide with the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. He a former executive board member of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pikeville/Pike County Tourism Commission, as well as former Pike County Surveyor. Dr. William Higginbotham. Dr. William Higginbotham serves as executive director of the Kentucky Coal
22 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
all Board programs. Mr. Nemeth currently serves as a member of the National Coal Council and numerous boards, organizations, task forces, and partnerships representing energy and environmental strategies and technologies. His service to the region is acclaimed with honors and awards throughout the country. Mr. Nemeth is a graduate of the Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.
Academy for the Kentucky Community & Technical College System. He previously held the position of director of the Division of Fossil Fuels and Utility Services for the Kentucky Office of Energy, executive director of the Kentucky Coal Council, president of Southern Illinois Mining and Samoyed Energy Company. Dr. Higginbotham holds a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education from Indiana University, a Master of Arts degree and Master of Business Administration from Morehead State University. Dr. Higginbotham currently is a member of the National Coal Council and other boards and organizations. Dr. Talina Mathews. Dr. Talina R. Mathews is the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy. Mathews was formerly an economist with the Office. Prior to coming to OEP, Mathews worked for the Kentucky Public Service Commission and the Department for Environmental Protection. Mathews received her Ph.D. and Master of Arts in economics from the University of Kentucky. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and economics from Berea College.
Mr. Kenneth Nemeth. Mr. Kenneth Nemeth has served as the Southern States Energy Board’s Secretary and Executive Director since February 1975. He is responsible for the direction, formulation, development, demonstration, and implementation of 23 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
NOTES
24 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
NOTES
25 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board
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26 An Energy Strategy for Pike County, Kentucky, prepared by the Southern States Energy Board