Department for Energy Development and Independence

Kentucky's challenge for the 21st century is to develop clean, reliable, affordable energy sources that help us improve our energy security, reduce our carbon dioxide emissions and provide economic prosperity.

For Kentucky to be a national energy leader, we must fully integrate the development of our energy resources with our mission to protect the environment.  The Department for Energy Development and Independence was created within the Energy and Environment Cabinet to help us achieve that goal.

As a new department in state government, we are in the process of developing a strategic plan to guide our programs and initiatives.  Please check back with us frequently in the next few months as we continue to develop our programs.

For information about departmental staff and directions to the office, click the "About Us" link on the left.    

On Sept. 22, 2008, Governor Beshear signed Executive Order 2008-1007 that authorizes Kentucky to waive the current RVP 11.5 gasoline volatility specification by allowing the sale of gasoline meeting RVP 13.5 volatility specifications to increase gasoline supplies (Reference: KRS 363.900-363.908 and 302 KAR 79:010).  A relaxation of the RVP specifications (to a higher RVP number) will allow for an increase of gasoline supplies through the use of blending additives that will allow an increase of up to 4 percent in gasoline production. The order is effective through 12:01 AM EDT, Oct. 1, 2008, unless extended.

Governor Beshear’s request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a temporary waiver from the reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirements in the Kentucky counties of Boone, Campbell, Kenton, Jefferson, a portion of Bullitt and a portion of Oldham (the "RFG covered areas") was approved by EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson on Sept. 17, 2008.  Effective immediately and continuing through Sept. 30, 2008, regulated parties are able to sell or distribute conventional gasoline in these areas. 

View the Kentucky RFG Waiver. 

Oct. 6-7, 2008
Lexington Convention Center
“Go for the Green”

View Secretary Len Peters YouTube video invitation

“It” is on TV, the radio, in magazines, all over the Internet and in corporate advertising. You can’t go or look anywhere without seeing a reminder. “It” is the cool thing to be and do. “It” is going green.

Find out how Kentucky is going down the green path and how you can follow by participating in the Governor’s Conference on the Environment, Oct. 6-7, 2008, at the Lexington Convention Center. Leaders from government, businesses and industry, and local communities can choose from four educational tracks: Ensuring a Green Environment, Implementing Green Practices, Building Green Communities and Building Green Lands.

Visit http://www.dep.ky.gov/ to register or call Natalie Jensen at 502-564-2150 for additional conference information.