Video & Transcript Research : 'Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:02 Discussion on SB 121 00:49 Roll Call Vote SB 121 02:03'

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KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (3-19-26)

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:02:09.960> start manageable.
  • So, first I'd like to start with<00:02:10.640> uh<00:02:10.759> Senate<00:02:11.160>
  • :02:50.360> second<00:02:50.760> on<00:02:50.880> the Okay, we have a motion second
  • :02.640> move<00:03:02.840> on<00:03:02.959> to Yep, I will.
  • > on up, if you start feeling that heat on up, if you start feeling that heat on your<00:24:45.240
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Agriculture. (3-18-26)

Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:02:46.080> Is<00:02:46.240> he<00:02:46.440> Yes,<00:02:46.800> there
  • Have him<00:02:47.840> come<00:02:48.360> forward<00:02:48.920> and<00:02:49.080
  • <00:02:54.400> Can<00:02:54.640> I<00:02:54.720> have<00:02:54.960> a
  • Uh<00:02:56.640> we<00:02:56.800> have<00:02:56.960> a<00:02:57.040> motion
  • Voice<00:03:05.720> vote. Voice vote. Voice vote.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (2-25-26)

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our members do have to<00:03:52.000> get<00:03:52.160> on<00:03:52.280> to<00:03
  • <00:03:52.920> So,<00:03:53.120> out<00:03:53.240> of to get on to other meetings
  • we try to run a very,<00:03:55.560> very<00:03:55.720> tight<00:03:55.960> meeting.
  • <00:49:26.880> we're<00:49:27.040> on.
  • But I<00:49:28.920> know<00:49:29.120> one<00:49:29.280> thing,<00:49:29.600>
Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up Senate Bill 178 by Senator Greg Elkins. Supporters, including representatives of the U.S. Chamber, Kentucky Chamber, Kentucky Chemistry Council, and Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, said the bill would require state environmental regulations to rely on the best available science, align with federal standards when applicable, and use technologically achievable requirements. They argued it would improve predictability for businesses, promote national uniformity, and increase public confidence in regulatory decisions. Senator Elkins and supporters also said the bill is aimed at several environmental and public health areas, including emergency response, solid waste, water quality, radiation/NORM, environmental permitting, and coal-related regulation. Committee members asked questions about what “best available science” means and whether the bill duplicates existing law. Supporters responded that it means reliable, unbiased, peer-reviewed, scientifically sound studies and that the bill is intended to reduce political influence in regulatory decisions. They also said similar measures had passed in Tennessee and Alabama. Some senators expressed concern that science is already political and asked for clarification on the bill’s scope. Opponents, including Audrey Ernsberger of the Kentucky Resources Council, research scientist Erin Haynes, and attorney Katherine Harcourt Rice, argued that SB 178 would sharply limit Kentucky’s ability to protect public health and the environment. They said the bill would prevent agencies from adopting stronger protections than federal minimums, create ambiguity and regulatory paralysis, and impose an overly restrictive scientific standard. They also objected to language requiring a direct causal link and manifest bodily harm, saying it would force agencies to wait until people are already sick before acting. Harcourt Rice argued the bill is duplicative of existing law and evidentiary rules. No final vote or other action on SB 178 was taken in the portion provided.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (3-11-26)

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • > she<00:02:09.640> did<00:02:09.880> call<00:02:10.240> and<00:02:10.399
  • Uh she did call and sing happy birthday<00:02:11.360> to<00:02:11.520> me<00:02:11.840>
  • Sunday,<00:02:12.680> but<00:02:12.840> she<00:02:12.959> called<00:02:13.200
  • <00:02:15.040> So,<00:02:15.120> I'm<00:02:15.240> calling<00:02:15.480>
  • > call<00:02:21.720> from<00:02:21.920> me<00:02:22.160> and have not received