The growing popularity of the dark sky movement has many rural communities leading the way in efforts to turn down light pollution and embrace the night. Their efforts are improving quality of life and generating new economic development opportunities.
There have been no positive cases of chronic wasting disease in the region, but officials have taken proactive measures after a case was found in Tennessee.
Among scientists, there is now near-universal agreement on the link between human activity and climate change. But politicians still point to false beliefs that there is significant debate on this point among scientists.
The plan, dubbed “E3” for energy, environment and economic development, used words that nod to the impacts of climate change, but never actually mentions the elephant in the room, or any serious plans to reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar farms owned by Kentucky’s electric utilities only account for about 0.07% of the state’s total electricity generation, according to the cabinet. The main sources are coal and natural gas.
In any given year, some 3 million people hike the Appalachian Trail, including more than 3,000 “thru-hikers” who go the entire distance, either in one stretch or in segments over multiple years.