Providing fuel to power Kentucky vehicles in the future is the subject of legislation in the General Assembly. GOP Monticello Representative Ken Upchurch is the sponsor of HB 581. He told committee members last week it would, quote, “ensure statewide consistency in an already highly regulated industry."
“By preventing political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing regulations that limit access to specific fuel sources or prohibit the construction of retail fueling facilities,” said Upchurch.
Upchurch said the impetus for the measure was to not pick winners and losers and let the free market decide when it comes to gasoline and electric vehicle fuel and power sources.
The bill also says localities can’t treat retail filling stations differently than electric-vehicle charging stations.
Mike Proctor is with Evolve Kentucky, a group of EV users and enthusiasts. Proctor said, quote, “nobody is trying to crowd out filling stations.”
“It looks like our level two chargers and even level one chargers would be caught up in this restriction and I don’t think that was really their intent,” said Proctor.
Lexington city leaders are considering zoning text amendments. Included in that, according to Planning Director Jim Duncan, is to propose eliminating drive-throughs and gas stations within neighborhoods in B-1 zones. Duncan said that would not affect existing gas stations along arterials.
* WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation
