In an effort to highlight the issues related to energy independence and security, the Kentucky Energy Forum is highlighting the candidates for District 18 State Senator in the special election to be held on Tuesday, August 25.
You may visit State Representative Robin Webb's campaign website by clicking here.
Personal statement by State Representative Robin Webb: As a former coal miner and having an energy educational background as having an A.A.S. in Mining Technology (Surface Mine Production), and B.S. in Energy and Reclamation (emphasis in Underground Mine Safety) from Morehead State University, and having many law school hours from Chase College of Law in Coal, Oil, Gas, Environmental and Public Utilities Law, I have much experience in the energy field. I have been an environmental prosecutor with the Natural Resource Cabinet, and In House General Counsel for the fourth largest coal producer in the nation with operations in eight states.
I presently serve on the Energy and the Natural Resources standing committees of the House, as well as the First Vice-Chair of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee. I serve on the Council of State Governments Energy Committee and Chair the Energy Committee for the National Federation of Women’s Legislators. I have served on every working group on energy legislation during my tenure in the House.
I presently serve on the Energy and the Natural Resources standing committees of the House, as well as the First Vice-Chair of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee. I serve on the Council of State Governments Energy Committee and Chair the Energy Committee for the National Federation of Women’s Legislators. I have served on every working group on energy legislation during my tenure in the House.
QUESTION ONE
KENTUCKY ENERGY FORUM: Do you believe that tax incentives should be awarded to energy companies to encourage investment in Kentucky? Do you believe these incentives should be extended to promote increased coal mining and natural gas development? Do you believe these incentives should be expanded to existing companies?
WEBB: I support and have voted for incentives for energy exploration and production. I have assisted in the drafting of and participated in the work group for all the major energy legislation and incentive packages during my tenure in the legislature. I have been involved with the promotion of fossil fuel and in the expansion of our energy portfolio.
QUESTION TWO
KEF: Do you support tax incentives for ‘thin-seam’ coal mining to encourage extraction of hard-to-mine coal?
WEBB: I support and have voted for thin seam mining initiatives for maximization of existing resources.
QUESTION THREE
KEF: Do you support the general principal of cap-and-trade to lower air emissions and/or reduce the carbon footprint? Please explain you position in detail on this issue.
WEBB: I am very concerned that cap and trade legislation will have an adverse impact on the existing energy supply and the output of electricity that would have devastating effects for business and consumers. I am for lowering the carbon footprint worldwide, yet feel the best way to do so is clean coal technology and carbon sequestration technology which I have supported and funded in Kentucky for years.
QUESTION FOUR
KEF: How would you propose to encourage development of alternative transportation fuels in Kentucky? What would you view as the top three alternative transportation fuels?
WEBB: Clean coal technology and biomass are alternative options.
QUESTION FIVE
KEF: In your opinion, does the growing of industrial hemp present itself as a viable option for biomass feedstock? Please explain why or why not? What other sources of biomass feedstock do you consider as a viable feedstock?
WEBB: Hemp was originally utilized in the development of the diesel engine and it is a viable option but for cannabis classifications and restrictions in existing law. The Kentucky General Assembly previously authorized a study at the University of Kentucky for evaluation of development as a feedstock. Federal law would be a hindrance of the development of hemp. The University of Kentucky is presently evaluating the value of a variety of feedstock, including switch grass.
QUESTION SIX
KEF: What role does energy efficiency play in a comprehensive energy plan for Kentucky?
WEBB: Energy efficiency is a component of a comprehensive energy policy that is needed for Kentucky. I feel the state and its agencies should lead by example and we have incorporated initiatives along those lines in previous energy legislation. Enhancement of these initiatives will be sought in future sessions.
QUESTION SEVEN
KEF: What steps should State Government take to reduce and/or improve energy use in its functions, such as transportation fuels and energy efficiency?
WEBB: Fleet management, energy utilization evaluations of buildings and facilities management, diversification of fleet, i.e. hybrids, fuel efficient cars, and other measures can achieve cost savings and set an example.
QUESTION EIGHT
KEF: Do you see renewable energy, such as wind, solar and hydro, as viable options for energy diversification in Kentucky? What would you do to promote implementation of these energy sources, if they are viable?
WEBB: Yes, all forms of renewable energy should be promoted and utilized to their maximum potential. Our energy portfolio must be diverse to meet the demands of the population and our economy.
QUESTION NINE
KEF: What would you do to support energy workforce training and education, besides existing workforce development and higher education programs?
WEBB: We must adapt existing programs to incorporate and include training and educational components in the existing and potential renewable energy economy.
QUESTION TEN
KEF: Including specifics in your district, what impact does the energy industry have on your district? What future prospects are there for energy development in your district and how you would work to promote that development?
WEBB: My district is historically a coal, oil and gas economy, both in production and employment impact. Energy transportation on the river and rail, and trucking is an important part of our regional economy. Alternative renewable crops are being grown in the district along with initiatives involving energy production from waste materials. Consumption of energy and the impact of additional costs impact the district because of the major industrial users in the district. Along with the economics of the consumer impact, major users are an important consideration in the formulation of our regional energy plan.
KENTUCKY ENERGY FORUM: Do you believe that tax incentives should be awarded to energy companies to encourage investment in Kentucky? Do you believe these incentives should be extended to promote increased coal mining and natural gas development? Do you believe these incentives should be expanded to existing companies?
WEBB: I support and have voted for incentives for energy exploration and production. I have assisted in the drafting of and participated in the work group for all the major energy legislation and incentive packages during my tenure in the legislature. I have been involved with the promotion of fossil fuel and in the expansion of our energy portfolio.
QUESTION TWO
KEF: Do you support tax incentives for ‘thin-seam’ coal mining to encourage extraction of hard-to-mine coal?
WEBB: I support and have voted for thin seam mining initiatives for maximization of existing resources.
QUESTION THREE
KEF: Do you support the general principal of cap-and-trade to lower air emissions and/or reduce the carbon footprint? Please explain you position in detail on this issue.
WEBB: I am very concerned that cap and trade legislation will have an adverse impact on the existing energy supply and the output of electricity that would have devastating effects for business and consumers. I am for lowering the carbon footprint worldwide, yet feel the best way to do so is clean coal technology and carbon sequestration technology which I have supported and funded in Kentucky for years.
QUESTION FOUR
KEF: How would you propose to encourage development of alternative transportation fuels in Kentucky? What would you view as the top three alternative transportation fuels?
WEBB: Clean coal technology and biomass are alternative options.
QUESTION FIVE
KEF: In your opinion, does the growing of industrial hemp present itself as a viable option for biomass feedstock? Please explain why or why not? What other sources of biomass feedstock do you consider as a viable feedstock?
WEBB: Hemp was originally utilized in the development of the diesel engine and it is a viable option but for cannabis classifications and restrictions in existing law. The Kentucky General Assembly previously authorized a study at the University of Kentucky for evaluation of development as a feedstock. Federal law would be a hindrance of the development of hemp. The University of Kentucky is presently evaluating the value of a variety of feedstock, including switch grass.
QUESTION SIX
KEF: What role does energy efficiency play in a comprehensive energy plan for Kentucky?
WEBB: Energy efficiency is a component of a comprehensive energy policy that is needed for Kentucky. I feel the state and its agencies should lead by example and we have incorporated initiatives along those lines in previous energy legislation. Enhancement of these initiatives will be sought in future sessions.
QUESTION SEVEN
KEF: What steps should State Government take to reduce and/or improve energy use in its functions, such as transportation fuels and energy efficiency?
WEBB: Fleet management, energy utilization evaluations of buildings and facilities management, diversification of fleet, i.e. hybrids, fuel efficient cars, and other measures can achieve cost savings and set an example.
QUESTION EIGHT
KEF: Do you see renewable energy, such as wind, solar and hydro, as viable options for energy diversification in Kentucky? What would you do to promote implementation of these energy sources, if they are viable?
WEBB: Yes, all forms of renewable energy should be promoted and utilized to their maximum potential. Our energy portfolio must be diverse to meet the demands of the population and our economy.
QUESTION NINE
KEF: What would you do to support energy workforce training and education, besides existing workforce development and higher education programs?
WEBB: We must adapt existing programs to incorporate and include training and educational components in the existing and potential renewable energy economy.
QUESTION TEN
KEF: Including specifics in your district, what impact does the energy industry have on your district? What future prospects are there for energy development in your district and how you would work to promote that development?
WEBB: My district is historically a coal, oil and gas economy, both in production and employment impact. Energy transportation on the river and rail, and trucking is an important part of our regional economy. Alternative renewable crops are being grown in the district along with initiatives involving energy production from waste materials. Consumption of energy and the impact of additional costs impact the district because of the major industrial users in the district. Along with the economics of the consumer impact, major users are an important consideration in the formulation of our regional energy plan.
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