FRANKFORT — Kentucky poet laureate Silas House and environmental advocates gathered alongside the Kentucky River on March 4, 2025, to voice their concerns about Senate Bill 89, a proposed piece of legislation aimed at limiting state regulation of water pollution. This controversial bill, sponsored by Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, has sparked alarm among clean water advocates who fear it could dismantle long-established protections, jeopardizing access to clean water for many Kentuckians.
"If SB 89 goes through, all groundwater will lose pollution controls, imperiling 1.5 million Kentuckians’ drinking water supplies," warned Michael Washburn from the Kentucky Waterways Alliance. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting how the bill could compromise the drinking water for the 416,000 Kentuckians who rely on wells and springs.
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet has also expressed serious concerns over the legislation. According to their communication to lawmakers, the bill threatens the water quality of numerous Kentucky rivers, streams, and tributaries, which could significantly undermine the groundwater quality affecting over 31,000 private wells and at least 156 public water systems. The cabinet's secretary has conveyed “grave concerns” about the potential repercussions of this bill.
House, at the riverfront gathering, denounced the reasoning provided by supporters of SB 89, who argue it is intended to relieve industries, including coal and construction, from bureaucratic hurdles. "This bill would allow them to pollute any waterway because our creeks and rivers, no matter how small, are all connected," House stated. His remarks highlight the interconnectedness of all water systems and the dangers of increasing pollution levels.
Further adding to the urgent tone of the gathering was Madison Mooney from Martin County, who shared her personal experience growing up with contaminated water resources. "I was taught not to drink the tap water or play in the creeks," she recalled. Her comments reflect not just her history, but also the broader cultural and community impacts of water pollution, particularly within Kentucky's southeastern regions.
Mooney warned of the potential for increased flooding, pollution, and rising water treatment costs should SB 89 be passed. "For Martin County, it raises the question of how much more we will have to pay for water we can't drink or is feared to be unsafe for cooking," she said. With many struggling communities already facing infrastructure challenges, the stakes surrounding this bill are exceedingly high.
Advocates such as Audrey Ernstberger, who lobbies for the Kentucky Resources Council, indicated the committee responsible for reviewing the bill could take it up during their meeting on March 6. She noted, "Instead of taking a complete sledgehammer to our current framework, we should approach it with more nuance and care." Some lawmakers are reportedly seeking amendments to protect water quality programs overseen by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.
The potential passage of SB 89 could impose strict economic burdens on water utilities. Critics assert more pollution means higher treatment costs, which would be passed on to consumers and local governments already grappling with financial strain. The Kentucky Geological Survey notes approximately 416,000 residents depend on water wells or springs, emphasizing the need for stringent protections.
Senator Stephen West, representing the bill's supporters, argued it is aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on key industries: “This bill applies to coal, construction...the heavy hand of government can roll onto your farm or construction site at any time and write you up because something went...into...ditch,” he said. Such sentiments resonate with various industries, conveying their frustration at perceived overregulation impacting economic activity.
Despite the push for looser regulations, environmental advocates remain resolute. Gerry James, deputy director of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign and co-founder of the boathouse where the rally was held, warned, “SB 89 threatens our pastimes,” undermining the recreational value and ecological health of Kentucky’s waterways. His comments align with numerous advocates advocating for clean water access for all residents.
With the legislature set to review the bill shortly, the very future of Kentucky's water resources hangs precariously. The outcome of SB 89 could resonate across community health, local economies, and the environment, raising urgent questions about the balance between industry interests and public welfare.
The Kentucky River served as both backdrop and symbol for advocates rallying to protect their waters from what they see as impending threats to their shared heritage and health. From poetic expressions to communal statements of environmental commitment, the pushback against SB 89 embodies the larger fight for clean water—a right many Kentuckians refuse to let slip away.