Participation Type
Poster
Presentation #1 Title
Coal Severance Taxes in Kentucky
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Abstract
Coal severance taxes in Kentucky aren’t being fairly distributed, utilized in Appalachian Kentucky, or structured in a sustainable manner. As it stands, 50% of the funds are taken off the top and placed in the State General Fund. From there, 15% is taken and put into the Local Government Economic Assistance Fund, some of which goes to non-coal producing communities. The remaining 35% is put into the Local Government Economic Development Fund, in which coal producing counties must apply for the grant to receive the funds, and still yet a chunk of money goes into non-coal producing counties. In essence, the money could be used to uplift poverty stricken coal-producing counties in Eastern Kentucky, but in reality, most of it is seemingly being used as funds for the entire state. The small amount that is put back into Eastern Kentucky isn’t making the impact that it could be so capable of making with more direction on the way it should be utilized. Young people in the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition’s Just Transition Working Group are taking a stand. Through much research and determination, they’re working towards making sure the dwindling coal severance funds go back to the right place. This includes seeking alternative systems distribution, working to get new legislation passed, and exploring what a revolving severance fund could look like in the state of Kentucky.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Angel Hill is the Just Transition Organizer for the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition, as well as a student at Eastern Kentucky University.
Coal Severance Taxes in Kentucky
Abstract
Coal severance taxes in Kentucky aren’t being fairly distributed, utilized in Appalachian Kentucky, or structured in a sustainable manner. As it stands, 50% of the funds are taken off the top and placed in the State General Fund. From there, 15% is taken and put into the Local Government Economic Assistance Fund, some of which goes to non-coal producing communities. The remaining 35% is put into the Local Government Economic Development Fund, in which coal producing counties must apply for the grant to receive the funds, and still yet a chunk of money goes into non-coal producing counties. In essence, the money could be used to uplift poverty stricken coal-producing counties in Eastern Kentucky, but in reality, most of it is seemingly being used as funds for the entire state. The small amount that is put back into Eastern Kentucky isn’t making the impact that it could be so capable of making with more direction on the way it should be utilized. Young people in the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition’s Just Transition Working Group are taking a stand. Through much research and determination, they’re working towards making sure the dwindling coal severance funds go back to the right place. This includes seeking alternative systems distribution, working to get new legislation passed, and exploring what a revolving severance fund could look like in the state of Kentucky.
