LG&E, don't put profit above our planet. Readers send flood of letters supporting Bernheim
VEDA MORGAN | LOUISVILLE COURIER JOURNAL
Updated 1 hour ago
Bernheim property threatened by LG&E plans to build pipeline
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Louisville Gas and Electric Company's plan to build a 12-inch-wide natural gas pipeline through a section of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest has stirred strong emotions among residents who have a fierce love of the forest and want it protected.
When The Courier Journal asked people to weigh in on the LG&E-Bernheim Forest controversy, people from across the region flooded my inbox, with the vast majority adamantly opposed to LG&E's plans, including its effort to take the land through eminent domain.
Here's what they had to say.
Pipeline plan an atrocity
So few places now exist where ecosystems are protected that a plan for a pipeline that would destroy this part of Berheim Forest is an atrocity. It is also unnecessary as other routes are available outside of the forest. Berheim Forest is a place where families, friends and even young children come to enjoy the beauty of nature. It must be preserved and protected for generations to come.
Barbara H. Warner
Lebanon, 40033
Profit over people and the planet
This issue is simply another sad, ever more common example of large, wealthy corporations prioritizing profit over people and the planet. It shows that some people do not listen to or trust science. There are other potential routes for this pipeline. LG&E is simply taking the shortest, cheapest route with no regard for what lies between point A and point B. LG&E never performed an “environmental impact study” for this pipeline, further exemplifying its blatant disregard for Kentucky’s untouched natural land and the rare species residing on it. And in the bigger picture, Bernheim’s land is protected under a conservation easement, which is a legal document protecting that land from being used for anything other than conservation purposes. If LG&E wins this case, it will set a precedent for further cases, weakening the power of any conservation easement. We have to put people and the planet before profit!
Andrew Shupert
Louisville, 40208
Background: Bernheim Forest will fight 'uphill battle' to stop LG&E from using land to build pipeline
Pipeline won't hurt the forest
The pipeline has to be built. It's not going to hurt anything. People love to protest because they love drama and they like to be called activists. Sounds important. Now I would be very worried about the interstate going through because they would truly ruin a big part of the forest.
Cindy Overall
Bardstown, 40004
Build elsewhere, LG&E
My father (born 1913) once told me, “People need to take care of the land. It’s one thing they’re not making any more of.” As our climate is changing and we are looking at monumental global changes taking place, this area of Kentucky is a place to take a local stand. Build elsewhere, LG&E. Don’t destroy this land because it is cheaper to do it in this area instead of an alternate route. Take care of the land, not money.
Kathleen Goode
Casey Creek, 42728
All of Bernheim should be protected
LG&E needs to find a new plan that avoids Bernheim Forest. We already have a depleted tree canopy, and LG&E's plans would destroy several acres of forest. Fragmented forest is worse for birds and animals. As we know from history, cutting down a portion of the tree canopy allows invasive species to take hold and thrive, which degrades the habitat even more. In addition, violating the legal protections of Bernheim's conservation easement would set a terrible precedent because it could jeopardize all conservation easements. As a financial supporter/member of Bernheim, I feel very strongly that all of Bernheim's land should remain protected.
Patti Bell
Louisville, 402024
Related: Bevin squashes concerns over Louisville-area bypass impacting major nature site
What's the big deal?
We are talking about a 12-inch-wide strip of land running parallel with a power line (not LG&E) already running through the forest. Power lines require vegetation management, which means this strip of land undergoes periodic disruption of the ecosystem already. Once the pipeline is in, the property is returned to Bernheim. What’s the big deal?
Paul M. Nypaver
LG&E, KU
A biodigester could help
In a recent article about Bernheim, the president of LG&E’s gas distribution services stated that there are only two options: face an expensive testing and rerouting of the pipeline or cut off new gas services to the area. The third option that could satisfy all parties involved is installing a local anaerobic biodigester. These digesters take localized waste products from water treatment, farm waste and restaurant waste and create a methane-rich gas that can be processed into biogas at the local level and inserted directly into the gas distribution system. The system also produces rich fertilizer and compost that could provide an additional revenue stream or chance for donation back to the community.
Such a system could easily provide for the 60 homes and businesses that need service, while eliminating the need for a new pipeline entirely. LG&E is either being disingenuous by acting as if there are no other options to expand service or it's missing an extremely easy chance to become a leader in creating a more sustainable and decentralized source of clean energy. For basic information on bio-digesters: https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-biogasconverting-waste-to-energy#4
James Prott
Louisville, 40206
Reroute the pipeline
We have such few pristine nature preserves in Kentucky. Don’t destroy it with the pipeline. Bernheim Forest is an important research location and outdoor classroom to thousands of people worldwide. Route the pipeline somewhere else!
Michelle Phillips
Elizabethtown, 42701
Consider alternative energy sources
In the 70s and early 80s several subdivisions were built in Jefferson county with no gas service, supposedly natural gas was running out. Today there are plenty of alternative energy sources to gas. Places like Bernheim need to remain untouched for our future generations.
Ric Gillespie
Lyndon, 40242
Pipeline isn't for the public good
I don’t think that LG&E should be able to claim Bernheim’s land through eminent domain. The pipeline is more about making a corporation more money and keeping us in the same system of fossil fuel dependence than about public good. We would all be better off if LG&E was publicly owned and actively expanding renewable and sustainable energy storage.
Aleve Douglas
Louisville, 40204
We are right about saving Bernheim
Putting a pipeline through pristine Bernheim Forest: What could possibly go wrong? Well, 383,000 gallons of oil just leaked at the Keystone Pipeline in North Dakota. So the Indians were right about that, after all. And we're right about saving Bernheim Forest.
Ivonne Rovira
Louisville, 40205
Our chance to do things right
I am deeply opposed to LG&E using eminent domain to put a pipeline through Bernheim Forest. There are other routes available to provide gas lines.
At a time when this community is making great strides to have a park system for future generations of Kentuckians to enjoy, (aka the Parklands project around Jefferson County), LG&E wants to destroy the beautiful forest south of Jefferson County in Bullitt County. Bullitt County deserves the same opportunity to have fine parks as we have with The Parklands, Seneca, Cherokee, Iroquois and Shawnee Parks.
We only get one chance to do things right. This is that chance. Our grandchildren and great grandchildren will always question why we did not care about their quality of life, if we don’t stand up for them now.
I for one, am glad that someone cared enough for us 150 years ago to create as many parks in Jefferson County as they did. I’m sure someone could have made a lot of money with that land if that was their goal. Money is not everything. Now is our time to be the future.
Gregg Wagner
Louisville, 40205
Eminent domain rule is archaic
NO pipeline! Eminent domain rule is archaic and needs to be revised or eliminated especially when it comes to our preserved forests, parks and recreational areas.
Please continue to fight this bad-for-the-earth decision. They have the money to find another route.
Sandra Pezzarossi
Louisville, 40228
Invest in solar, LG&E
Thank you for asking how people feel about a pipeline being rammed through one of this region’s most pristine preserved forests. Has anyone taken a look at the many ways Bullitt County is quickly destroying itself for sprawl and needless new roadways blasted through meadows to accommodate same. It’s as if 1956 exploded all over again. Speaking of explosions, the unnatural follow up will be a disaster to top the initial one of land rape and greed. LG&E has destroyed solar potential and seeks to drag us down to the level of Trump mining our forests and dumping in our streams while killing infant bears in their lairs.
Invest in solar. LG&E (like PG&E) is synonymous with Let’s Gut the Environment. Enact inverse condemnation. The land we save for the next generations is worth it.
Debra Harlan
Louisville, 40205
Go around Bernheim
I believe Berheim Forest is a wonderful treasure that the people of Kentucky should do all they can to protect. LG&E should build a pipeline around Bernheim, not through it.
Bruce Ebanks
Louisville, 40205
Pipeline hasn't hurt Otter Creek Park
If one takes a ride through Otter Creek Park, the pipeline there has not broken up the park. It has been there for decades without severe consequences.
Martin O’Toole
Louisville, 40205
We must protect our planet
We learn of far too many pipelines being installed these days. Places like Bernheim Forest are pristine and should be kept that way to protect the fauna and flora and the natural scenery. Many people, myself included, are outraged over how we are being turned into one giant plane for energy purposes. If we don't put a stop to this and start protecting our country and planet then, before we know it, we will have nothing of quality and substance left.
Angela Lee
Liberty, 42539
We need our green spaces
I met my husband at Bernheim. I was proposed to there and had our wedding there. It's basically the only forest and park and natural ed and experiences for Louisville. We love it there. Kentucky being the third FATTEST state in America needs every green space. I don't understand how protected conservancies keep getting ignored for a stupid road, i.e. north Gene Snyder highway in Prospect. This forest isn't just another neighborhood. Plus the eminent danger of pipelines to the natural resources is too great. I am completely against this pipeline. LG&E needs to work on solar, not more pipelines.
Carola Cason
42633
No way LG&E
No way should L&GE be allowed to build this pipeline through Bernheim Forest. Whoever built those 60 homes that were denied natural gas service should have thought about the infrastructure and resources needed to support those homes. Tearing through Bernheim Forest is not an option.
Jackie Ennis
Louisville, 40205
We don't need natural gas
I live in Greenville, Indiana. The area I live in has no natural gas available and no expectation of getting any. I am just fine with that. Natural gas users are exposed to potential dangers that seem to be getting worse every day. No one has to have natural gas. LG&E's excuse that they must do this for 60 or so potential customers is ridiculous. They must have another agenda, or they just want to bully the rest of us around.
Ray Thomas
Greenville, 47124
Bernheim is a rare jewel
I would like to vote a resounding NO to the gas pipeline being anywhere near Bernheim Forest, a place my family and I visit frequently. This is a rare jewel we have, and I see no reason to put this beautiful place at risk because LG&E does not feel like rerouting this gas line. As usual it's all about how much money can they make as cheaply as possible. For some reason LG&E feels that it is imperative those few homes must have natural gas service. My neighbors and I have used propane for at least the last 30 years without a single problem and without the fear of leaking and exploding gas mains. Let them use propane. Oh, wait... LG&E doesn't sell propane.
Marvin Skaggs
LaGrange, 40031
We've harmed the earth enough
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