Kentucky Energy Equation - Tide changes in Kentucky's battle for sovereignty against EPA

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Good news for Kentucky came out of Washington D.C. recently in the Bluegrass State’s battle for state sovereignty against the Environmental Protection Agency and its sweeping new mandates aimed at Appalachian energy.

The US Supreme Court ruled unanimously against the EPA by declaring that individuals indeed do have the right to challenge the unilateral edicts of the EPA in a court of law. In something out of “David versus Goliath,” EPA officials were threatening to fine Mike and Chantell Sackett of Idaho $75,000 per day for alleged wetland violations and denying the couple even the chance to defend themselves or their property.

That such an issue had to go all the way to the Supreme Court before a ruling came out that gives private citizens merely the chance to challenge EPA doctrine should come as yet another wake-up call for those passionate about personal liberty and efficient governance. Still, Kentuckians should view this decision as a changing of the tide in their own battle to defend Kentucky coal and the tens of thousands of jobs supported by it. Senator Rand Paul does:

“This sends a resounding message to the Administration that ever-expanding bureaucracy and regulations cannot continue to go unchecked. I will continue to fight to rein in the EPA, and today's decision is heartening that we will succeed."