LGE-KU - an out-of-state, for-profit conglomerate - is planning to clear cut 5,400 MILES of trees under high voltage lines throughout 77 counties in Kentucky. (Adair, Anderson, Ballard, Barren, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyle, Bracken, Bullitt, Caldwell, Campbell, Carlisle, Carroll, Casey, Christian, Clark, Clay, Crittenden, Daviess, Edmonson, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Franklin, Fulton, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Harlan, Harrison, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Hopkins, Jessamine, Knox, Larue, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Lincoln, Livingston, Lyon, McCracken, McCreary, McLean, Madison, Marion, Mason, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Nicholas, Ohio, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Taylor, Trimble, Union, Washington, Webster, Whitley, and Woodford). 

This unnecessary action will destroy the environment, harm local economies, adversely impact neighborhoods, farms, forests, and property values. The trees being removed absorb stormwater, sequester carbon, provide wildlife habitat, buffer high winds and noise, and reduce utility usage by providing shade. Trees are important to the character of our neighborhoods and they contribute significantly to the quality of life of local residents. Trees also enhance the scenic beauty of Kentucky, a major draw for tourism. 

PPL Corporation, the parent company of LG&E and KU, is executing a strategy of clear-cutting trees under high voltage transmission lines across 5,400 miles in their service area. Thousands of trees across hundreds of miles throughout 77 counties in Kentucky are going to be removed. How can a company that sponsored "Arbor Day - Let's Care for Our Tree Canopy" be the same company that is marking our neighborhoods and rural lands for extreme tree clearance? 

LGE-KU refuses to answer questions relating to how often power outages are actually caused by trees falling on high transmission lines. This is an unprecedented plan by LGE-KU to clear-cut any species of trees that "may" reach 10 feet or more at maturity (even small ornamental trees which provide berries for birds and ground-dwelling creatures). The vast majority of the trees scheduled to be removed may never reach the vicinity of the transmission lines which tower overhead 60 feet or more. 

Instead of pursuing indiscriminate clearcutting and herbicide spraying, LGE-KU should pursue site-specific treatment and selective trimming of hazard trees that pose a threat to the utility lines. Other utilities around the country have pursued integrated vegetation management practices that save money and help the environment. 

This is a deep-rooted problem when a for-profit company has no accountability to the people it serves. If our government is truly for the people, then the General Assembly should pass new laws that require LGE-KU to compromise with local governments to adopt more responsible plans for tree maintenance/clearance in our Kentucky communities. 

Please sign the petition to have your voice heard and stop LGE-KU's destructive actions. Most importantly, please SHARE THIS PETITION!

#SaveKentuckyTrees