Kentucky senators will soon consider legislation limiting the authority of Louisville’s Air Pollution Control District to seek penalties against polluters in some cases, following the bill’s January approval in the House.
Under House Bill 136 , sponsored by Rep. Jared Bauman, R-Louisville, companies that conduct an internal audit of their operations, discover a violation of local air pollution rules and voluntarily report that violation to officials would be protected from penalties, with some limitations.
These provisions, called “environmental audit” and “voluntary disclosure” privileges, are currently active in 119 Kentucky counties. The proposed bill would extend them to Jefferson County — the only place in Kentucky where an air pollution control district actively regulates air quality and emissions, rather than the state.
Bauman and other proponents said the bill would encourage Louisville companies to conduct these audits, come forward and fix any issues promptly, without fear of fines from the city.