Please join us as we welcome David Brown Kinloch and learn about NEW hydro development in Kentucky. A lot of new renewable energy projects are being built in Kentucky and all around the world. While much of the focus has been on solar and wind, hydropower, the world’s first renewable electric source, still has a major role to play. Dave Brown Kinloch will present what is happening in Kentucky and his company’s plans to build 4 new projects on the Kentucky River with $73 million in funding from the US Department of Agriculture.
David Brown Kinloch received two Bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Philosophy and two Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and in Science, Technology and Values from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dave has worked in hydroelectric development in Kentucky for the last 40 years. He has worked primarily on small hydroelectric projects. In 1989, he and his partners restored Kentucky’s Mother Ann Lee hydroelectric project near Shakertown. Dave is President of both Appalachian Hydro Associates and Shaker Landing Hydro Associates. These companies have two small hydro plants in operation, one currently under construction, and four others in development, all on the Kentucky River.
Note: This will be a hybrid meeting, that is, both in-person and virtual. When registering, please complete both program registration and the zoom registration if you want to attend virtually.
Photo by Terrell Holder
Editor's Note
Here we are in 2025 and it's starting off in Crazytown. Our hearts go out to all those in California and their loved ones affected by the massive wildfires and those in Louisville and surrounding counties seeking shelter from the storms.
Elon Musk's TwitterX Tweez saying “Defund Sierra Club” actually means SILENCE Sierra Club. That ain’t gonna happen. I hope his ridiculous tweez will encourage you to send GLSC a couple of bucks so we can keep our voice heard loud and clear, far and wide. If you want 100% of your (501(C)(4) non-tax deductible) donation to get to the Greater Louisville Group, mail a check to PO Box 20606 Louisville, KY 40250. This is the Hikes Point Post Office in Louisville. You can also donate by clicking the button below and your donation will be shared with the KY Chapter.
In spite of the growing number of anti-conservation officials in our local, state and federal government, we are already hard at work. Ecosystem destruction, shrinking wildlife populations, and pollution from fossil fuel emissions and toxic chemicals will only get worse under the anti-conservation folks. But we can’t give up because the tide will turn…in time. There are two things you can do right now to help.
1. Email Mayor Greenwash and tell him you are, “very disappointed with his decision to disallow the office of sustainability (OS) from submitting recommendations to the state for better energy efficiency rules in state building codes.” That’s all you have to say. GLSC, Metropolitan Housing Coalition, KCC, and many others worked with the OS to create common sense recommendations. We were delighted to work with the OS and felt the recommendations were reasonable, effective, and right and the voice of Louisville Metro Government may have added weight to the effort. But our mayor rolled over like a puppy dog to business interests and at least now we know where he really stands.
2. Send a note to your Metro Council representatives asking, “Please appoint an expert/advocate for Sustainable Development to the board of directors of the new Louisville Economic Development Alliance (LEDA). If there is no one advocating for Sustainable Development on LEDA’s board, we will get unsustainable development. This is too important to ignore.” That’s all you have to say. If you look at the LEDA Board of Directors you will see about 85% are from very large corporations. If these are the people making decisions about Louisville’s future, we can not expect Sustainable Development and we will get business as usual. Sprawl, greenfield development, big new highways, more losses in public transport, more exodus from downtown. If we don’t speak up we won’t be heard and you can bet the business lobby is very vocal.
Finally, please check out our calendar for outings and events coming up in February, March and April. While enjoying the outdoors together, we can build community at home.
Did Climate Change Do That?
Our recent snowstorm in Greater Louisville was pretty big but it wasn’t a terribly extreme event. Attribution of extreme events to climate change is a complex science, especially when you drill down to individual storms, fires, droughts, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. If you analyze historical events over time, like wildfires, you can calculate what the average is for size, damage, intensity and other metrics. You can then create a probability distribution or “bell curve.” 68% of all the occurrences fall into the first standard deviation (+/- 1σ or 1st sigma). Fires that fall in the 1σ (+/-) are the “typical” ones. The 2σ includes the middle 95%. The further you go out toward the “tails” the lower the probability of that type of event happening. A 3σ event occurs less than .01% of the time. Climate scientists generally define an extreme event as one with a 1 in 1000 probability (or more), or a “three sigma event.” If someone asks you if this or that was “caused by climate change,” the first thing to ask is, “was it a 3 sigma event?” If so, then…maybe. To read about how climate change is increasing the probability of 3σ events check out this articlefrom our library.
‘Tis the Season for Playing in the Snow!
Photo by Joy Henry
⛄️ Cool winter hike at Nine Penny Nature Preserve, Saturday February 8th. This will be a nice, moderate hike in a beautiful old growth forest remnant in Southern Indiana just north of Charlestown. There’s a lovely stream, old moss covered stone walls from a 19th century stagecoach route, big old trees and saplings, too. We could be treated to a little ice and snow for your added pleasure. Check our website for more information and registration.
⛄️ KCC 2025 Legislative Summit - Sunday afternoon (1:00-5:00 ET) on January 26th on the campus of Kentucky State University in Frankfort. Get more information and Register here.
Want the latest information on environmental issues impacting Kentucky? Want to be a more effective citizen advocate during the General Assembly? Want to know how the recent elections will impact state and federal policy on environmental issues? We provide resources you need to be an effective advocate for a wide range of environmental issues impacting Kentucky. Continuing and emerging environmental issues during Kentucky’s 2025 legislative session will be discussed by a wide ranging cast of topic experts and lawmakers.
The 2025 Summit is being held at Kentucky State University campus, 400 East Main St, Frankfort, In Extension building, Room 238. Wifi will be available in the meeting room to view materials online.
⛄️ Sierra Club Kentucky Chapter Lobby Day - On February 5th, join the Kentucky Chapter for a day of impactful grassroots advocacy. Together, we’ll ensure that legislators hear directly from the people they represent. Too many Kentuckians are burdened by rising energy costs and growing health risks from environmental pollution. We’re fighting for an energy future that prioritizes affordability, clean air and water, and the well-being of all Kentuckians.
In January, Kentucky’s elected officials will gather in Frankfort to make critical decisions about our shared future. Fossil fuel and utility monopoly lobbyists will certainly have their voices heard—so we need to ensure they hear YOUR voice, too! Learn more and Register Here.
⛄️ On January 26 at 4 pm, Save Bernheim Now! is hosting a screening of "End of the Line," a documentary chronicling the struggle and success of citizen activism opposing and ultimately stopping the Bluegrass pipeline.
The screening is being held at All Peoples church, 4936 Brownsboro Rd. Special guest Sellus Wilder, creator of the film, will be there! See flyer here.
Meet our Members:
Steve Henry
Photo by Joy Henry
Hi Steve! Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m married to another active Sierra Club member, Joy Henry. We have two wonderful daughters and four beautiful grandkids. I’m a retired elementary school teacher who loves to read, walk, listen to music, and hang out with our cat, Fievel.
Why did you become active in the Sierra Club?
I’ve been a member for quite some time but I became active in the Sierra Club during the first term of George W. Bush. It felt like there were increasing efforts taking place then to roll back hard fought-for environmental protections. Unfortunately, those efforts continue.
What skills/talents do you feel you bring to the group?
I think I’m focused, organized, and attentive to detail. I appreciate all of the effort and hard work it takes for a grassroots organization to make a difference. I also care deeply about the inherent importance of protecting our natural world.
What group activities have you enjoyed the most?
I have served as program chair for many years and truly enjoy the variety of presenters we hear from. I also enjoy community tabling and outreach as well as our outings.
What do you feel are priorities for our group?
We can accomplish more when we’re connected to and engaged with other community partners, including elected officials. Our greatest opportunities to affect change are local, right here in Louisville.
What would you like to say to our members to encourage them to become more involved in the Louisville Sierra Club?
As our group’s current chair, I would encourage anyone to attend our meetings, ask questions, and tell us how you would like to contribute. We always need more active members and would love to hear from you!
January Social Dinner
At Time 4 Thai
Tuesday, January 28, 6:00 PM
Please join us Tuesday January 28, 2025, 6:00 PM at Time 4 Thai, 2206 Frankfort Ave. This is a Clifton favorite! Authentic Thai cuisine with bold favors and customizable spice levels. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Please RSVP by Monday 1/27 to Barbara at 502-777-7645.
MJ’s Corner - A place for reflection and inspiration
“The Storm’ by Mary Oliver from Dog Songs, 2013
Now through the white orchard my little dog romps, breaking the new snow with wild feet.
Running here running there, excited, hardly able to stop, he leaps, he spins until the white snow is written upon in large, exuberant letters, a long sentence, expressing the pleasures of the body in this world.
Oh, I could not have said it better myself.
Thanks to all of you who dine at Momma’s Mustard, Pickles and BBQ restaurant and support GLSC by voting online at Mommas 2% for Louisville. Momma’s Mustard, Pickles & BBQ generously donates 2% of its sales to six charitable local organizations. Please visit Momma’s for some good cooking (including gluten free items) at 102 Bauer Ave. and 119 S. Hurstbourne Ln.
Greater Louisville Sierra Club has a membership of nearly 2,000 outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists working every day on local issues that affect our lives now and into the future. Though we are an extension of the national Sierra Club and the Kentucky Chapter, our Group is a local, grassroots organization, operating with 100% volunteers. Bookmark us on the web at https://www.sierraclub.org/kentucky/greater-louisville-group
Newsletter Contributors: Steve Henry, Terrell Holder, Drew Foley, Mary Lowe, Sarah Reeves.
