SPECIAL REPORT: 10 Questions on Energy for State Representative Robin Webb

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.

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.

SPECIAL REPORT: 10 Questions for Dr. Jack Ditty

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 Dr. Jack Ditty's campaign website by clicking here.

QUESTION ONE

KENTUCKY ENERGY FORUM: Do you believe that tax incentives should be awarded to energy companies to encourage investment in Kentucky? (part one)

DITTY: Yes, we should make every attempt to encourage companies to invest here. Kentucky has the workforce and natural resources that are a perfect fit for energy companies looking to relocate.

KEF: Do you believe these incentives should be extended to promote increased coal mining and natural gas development? (part two)

DITTY: Yes, coal and natural gas will continue to be an integral part of energy production in the future, and these incentives will help companies to find new ways to burn coal more efficiently and safely.

KEF: Do you believe these incentives should be expanded to existing companies? (part three)

DITTY: Yes, we should protect existing companies that are currently providing jobs in our communities; they should not be excluded simply because they are already in Kentucky. Please provide detailed answers. Any incentives offered to companies should be performance-based and tied to new job creation.

QUESTION TWO

KEF: Do you support tax incentives for ‘thin-seam’ coal mining to encourage extraction of hard-to-mine coal?

DITTY: Yes.

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.

DITTY: Lowering air emissions is a worthwhile goal, but using a utility tax, and dressing it up as “cap and trade” is not the solution. Funding research that will create full-scale production methods that burn coal cleanly will significantly lower emissions at a faster rate than cap and trade. States like Kentucky will suffer dire consequences if a utility tax is passed. We have an electricity rate that is one of the lowest in the country, which helps us to attract business and create jobs. Cap and trade would, by some estimates, triple the average Kentucky electricity bill, while allowing New York and California to lower their rates.

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?

DITTY: Funding performance-based grants will give companies the tools they will need to advance research that is underway in Eastern and Western Kentucky. Coal to Diesel, Coal to Synthetic Natural Gas, and Biomass

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?

DITTY: Hemp was at one point one of Kentucky’s biggest exports, but it has been over 150 years since hemp was grown on a commercial basis. Switchgrass or wood fiber seems to be the best feedstock for biomass energy production. Corn was under consideration, but the recent spike in corn prices due to ethanol production makes it a less appealing source.

QUESTION SIX

KEF: What role does energy efficiency play in a comprehensive energy plan for Kentucky?

DITTY: Everyone should take steps to consume as little energy as possible. This will result in lower utility bills, a cleaner environment, and higher quality of life in Kentucky.

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?

DITTY: We should make sure that tax dollars are spent in the most efficient way possible. Any state agency or equipment should be held to a higher standard when it comes to energy efficiency. Kentucky should lead by example and make every aspect of state government as efficient and productive as possible.

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?

DITTY: Renewable energy is more suitable in other parts in the country, than in Kentucky. Our topography is not suited for wind and solar, and Kentucky does not have a large supply of running water that could be used to consistently supply electricity. However, if any renewable energy source is shown to be effective and consistent, they should be open to receive incentives just like any other source of alternative energy.

QUESTION NINE

KEF: What would you do to support energy workforce training and education, besides existing workforce development and higher education programs?

DITTY: I would push for an increase in focus on the science and math curriculum in our schools. Science and math have proven to be the cornerstone of creating a workforce that has the technical knowledge to compete in our rapidly changing workplace. I would also advocate to increase the number of programs offered by KCTCS that are specific to the energy field. Energy companies look for a workforce that is well skilled in math and science, and Kentucky can level the playing field when we are competing with other states for new industry by providing graduates with the critical knowledge needed to be engineers and technicians.

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?

DITTY: Naturally, Ashland Oil is a great example of a company that has been an integral part of our community for generations. Ashland Oil has been able to survive all these years by paying attention to the changing landscape in which they operate. New processes are evolving every day and businesses have to be flexible and proactive to keep their company on the cutting edge. Our district has been, and we will continue to be tied to energy production. By finding ways to burn coal cleaner and extracting hard to reach oil and natural gas, we will utilize our abundant gift of natural resources in new ways, which will keep Kentucky competitive in the fight to make our country more energy independent.

SPECIAL INTERVIEWS: District 18 Senate Special Election

This posting begins a series of interviews with industry leaders and opinion-makers on this issue of energy security and independence. It is my hope this regular contribution through interviews and opinion editorials will spur constructive dialogue on the importance of energy and how Kentucky can play an integral part in all facets of energy development.


We begin our regular series of one-on-one interviews with the candidates for the recently vacated State Senate seat in the 18th District, which comprises the following Kentucky counties: Bracken, Carter, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, and Robertson.


The two candidates responses will be posted here Thursday, August 13th, 2009.

The Special Election to fill this vacancy will be on Tuesday, August 25th, and the candidates are Dr. Jack Ditty (R) and State Representative Robin Webb (D). You may link to their campaign websites by clicking on their respective names. Each candidate was posed the same set of 10 questions regarding energy and energy independence and security, with the focus on what Kentucky's position would and their vision for developing energy. Each candidates responses are posted in their entirety with no editing or redaction.