Governor Andy Beshear, a federal judge vacated the use of Nationwide Permit 12 for construction of new gas pipelines.
This is the “fast-track” permit LG&E applied for in its application before the Army Corps of Engineers for LG&E and JIM BEAM’s PIPELINE. Governor Andy Beshear immediately remind your Energy & Environment Cabinet and The Army Corps that the basis of this federal ruling is the exact argument the people of Bullitt County voiced to you as Attorney General. We have filed numerous grievances with Fish & Wildlife Service, Department of Water, Public Service Commission, and the Army Corps for the last 3 ½ years. Nationwide Permit 12 has been vacated by federal law! Instead of starting over and applying for an appropriate permit, LG&E plans to push forward to obtain a permit they didn't even apply for! Please don't allow Division of Water to be manipulated by the utility giant.
Jim Beam admitted the pipeline was its idea and was told by LG&E in 2015 it would cost JIM BEAM 20 to 25 million dollars. JIM BEAM didn’t want to pay for their pipeline so LG&E (a private for profit utility) and JIM BEAM (a global Japanese owned private interest) conspired to use LG&E’s ability to condemn the lands of farmers and Bernheim Forest to steal land for the benefit of JIM BEAM and LG&E. LG&E & Jim Beam conspired to have every ratepayer paying a Louisville Electric Company utility bill to pay for JIM BEAM’s pipeline and have raised ratepayer's rates by 15%- including the rates of the elderly, single parents, and small businesses. Local developers were made aware of the pipeline by Lisa Payne, Economic Development for LG&E, a year after Jim Beam & LG&E decided to build their pipeline. No PUBLIC NEED! Governor Beshear stop the condemnation of local farm families and Bernheim Forest! Open an investigation into the conspiracy and collusion of LG&E and JIM BEAM. Kentuckians have already been harmed as we are currently paying the increased rates for JIM BEAM’s pipeline and they have already applied for yet another increase for a planned pipeline that has now doubled in estimated costs. The Judge Executive’s office provided a document showing that LG&E planned to condemn local farm families and Bernheim prior to any negotiations with them. LG&E has admitted in writing to placing farm families under extreme duress and intimidation. They have bullied the disabled and disenfranchised. Governor Beshear: investigate LG&E for crimes against seniors and violating the Americans with Disabilities Act! Stop LG&E from running this pipeline through land housing a known African American Slave Cemetery!
Andy Beshear, this route was never studied. Ensite USA was hired by LG&E to study 10 routes. Ensite USA advised against this route and never studied it. LG&E is running the LG&E/JIMBEAM High Pressure Industrial Transmission Line through sinkholes and flood plains even though LG&E’s own newsletter just last month stated “the greatest threats to pipelines are flooding and earthquakes”. LG&E is running this pipeline through miles of flood plains, karst land, and lands that regularly sustain manmade earth quakes every time Fort Knox does military exercises. LG&E's plans do not depict the features of the land that make it exceptionally dangerous for a pipeline! This is intentional abuse, manipulation, and fraud. Governor Andy Beshear get involved before farm families, our United States Veterans at Active Heroes, school children at Bernheim Forest or Slow Poke Farm suffer the same fate as the people of Lincoln County! Governor Beshear stop the JIM BEAM / LG&E PIPELINE NOW and investigate Louisville Gas & Electric Company and JIM BEAM!
LG&E has a sordid history of safety violations, neglect, and malpractice. They have been cited for multiple recent infractions including being fined a historical amount for using faulty fittings resulting in leakage. LG&E plans to attach the planned pipeline to The Calvary Line, which failed so many inspections that it was out of federal compliance. Due to the karst terrain the planned line will run through, this line would be even more dangerous than most. A leak could result in an explosion miles away, in churches or schools which are just short distances from the planned project. A forest fire would also be devastating to the community. Our county has no hospital, inadequate emergency management services, no city water or cell service along much of the path, and one lane country roads (some of which flood when it rains).
Governor Beshear: PLEASE protect your people- Kentucky families need your intervention NOW!
...