The list of allies fighting for Kentucky's energy sovereignty against the unilateral mandates of the Environmental Protection Agency continues to grow. One ally that deserves special mention on that list is the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

ALEC has been vitally important in helping the Bluegrass Institute sponsor a piece of model legislation that champions local governance, states' rights, and the Constitution.

This May, representatives from the Bluegrass Institute will attend ALEC's Energy and Environmental spring task force to sponsor the Intrastate Coal and Use Act. This piece of model legislation would rely on the 9th and 10th Amendments to the US Constitution to boldly proclaim that any coal mined, refined, and used completely within the borders of the Commonwealth is outside the jurisdiction of the unelected bureaucrats at the EPA.

Given that nearly one third of all coal mined in Kentucky remains in Kentucky, such a bill would have great benefits for the denizens of the Bluegrass State and the businesses attracted here by some of the nation's lowest energy rates - rates that are being continually threatened by the EPA's sweeping regulations against Kentucky coal.

Thanks to ALEC, such a possibility could become a reality. We'll keep you up-to-date on the ALEC task force and all the ways ALEC has helped Kentucky's energy sector.