News Summary
Louisville Gas and Electric has started construction on a contentious 12-mile gas pipeline through Bernheim Forest, following legal struggles. Environmentalists are alarmed, arguing it endangers wildlife habitats. A symbolic funeral procession was held by community members and advocates who mourn the loss of forest land. LG&E claims the project is essential for accommodating growth in the Bullitt County area and improving gas service reliability for 9,500 customers, despite concerns regarding ecological impacts and long-term community implications.
Louisville – Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) has officially begun construction on a controversial 12-mile gas pipeline that runs through Bernheim Forest, following an extended legal battle. The project’s approval, granted in December 2024, has sparked significant opposition from conservationists and environmental advocates who argue that the pipeline threatens vital wildlife habitats and natural ecosystems.
On the day construction began, community members and environmental groups held a symbolic funeral procession to signify their dismay over the pipeline’s construction and the loss of forest land. This event, characterized as a vibrant New Orleans-style gathering, included participants from the grassroots organization “Save Bernheim” as well as other environmental activists, who expressed their sorrow and outrage over the decision to allow the pipeline to be built.
Deborah Novgordoff, the organizing director for Save Bernheim Now, emphasized the critical role of the cedar grove wildlife corridor in supporting migrating birds and protecting endangered species. The group is steadfast in its commitment to advocate against fossil fuel infrastructure and continues to push for a transition to cleaner energy alternatives, despite the unfavorable legal ruling. Wallace McMullen, representative of the Louisville Sierra Club, voiced concerns that the pipeline will perpetuate future costs and challenges for local communities due to its reliance on fossil fuels.
According to LG&E, the pipeline is designed to accommodate the population growth in the Bullitt County area and improve the reliability of natural gas services for approximately 9,500 customers. The company maintains that pipeline construction is necessary to enhance capacity for new and expanded gas services, addressing demand that has been delayed since 2019 due to existing limitations on pipeline capacity.
The legal battle regarding this pipeline project has been ongoing for several years. The Bullitt Circuit Court recently upheld LG&E’s right to condemn forest land for construction, while prospects for appeal diminished after the Kentucky Supreme Court declined to review the case. The majority ruling allowed for the land’s condemnation, enabling LG&E to commence construction without further delays.
Bernheim Forest officials have raised serious concerns regarding the ecological consequences of the pipeline’s designated route. The impacted area is home to numerous protected species and habitats, which local advocates claim will deteriorate because of the construction and ongoing operation of the pipeline. Critics think that the pipeline primarily serves the interests of private organizations, such as the Jim Beam distillery, instead of fulfilling public need.
Bernheim Forest is a significant ecological and recreational asset in Kentucky, spanning over 16,000 acres. Not only is it recognized for its sprawling arboretum and diverse plant life, but it also hosts educational programs and offers miles of recreational trails for visitors. Its preservation is crucial for maintaining the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area, which has made it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Environmental advocates are calling attention to the need for stringent safeguards regarding conservation easements to ensure that natural habitats are protected from future private developments. As the construction moves forward, these groups are preparing to continue their efforts in raising awareness and advocacy for long-term ecological sustainability and the protection of the environment.
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Additional Resources
- Wave3: Advocates Hold Funeral Procession in Blenheim Forest Amid Gas Pipeline Construction
- Wikipedia: Environmental Protection
- WHAS11: Protesters Hold Funeral Procession Against LG&E Pipeline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural Gas
- WDRB: LG&E Can Condemn Bernheim Forest Land for Pipeline
- Google Search: Bernheim Forest
- Kentucky Lantern: Bernheim Forest Appeals to Stop Pipeline
- Google News: Bernheim Forest Pipeline
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
