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A RESOLUTION urging the Energy and Environment Cabinet to explore and 1
implement strategies to remove waste tires from Kentucky’s streams and waterways. 2
WHEREAS, waste tires present a significant and enduring threat to the health and 3
quality of Kentucky's 90,000 miles of waterways as well as the individuals and 4
communities that rely on and enjoy them; and 5
WHEREAS, annually, approximately four million waste tires are generated in 6
Kentucky, equating to roughly one tire per resident. These tires are often illegally 7
dumped into rivers, streams, and creeks or washed into waterways during floods; and 8
WHEREAS, the presence of tires in Kentucky's waterways leads to water pollution 9
and human health risks. Tires do not naturally decompose, but as they degrade, they can 10
release toxins, including microplastics and chemicals, that contaminate water sources and 11
pose health risks to humans; and 12
WHEREAS, the presence of tires in Kentucky's waterways also leads to community 13
degradation and economic loss. Tire pollution diminishes the quality of life in 14
communities near affected waterways and hampers safe access to fishing and recreational 15
activities; and 16
WHEREAS, the threat posed by waste tires to Kentucky's waterways is both real 17
and pressing. With limited funding for the removal and repurposing of waste tires we call 18
for the allocation of resources and the creation of opportunities for the effective removal, 19
recycling, and repurposing of these tires. Addressing this issue is crucial for the health 20
and well-being of the numerous communities that rely on our vital water resources; 21
NOW, THEREFORE, 22
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 23
Kentucky: 24
Section 1. The Senate urges the Energy and Environment Cabinet to explore 25
and implement strategies to remove waste tires from Kentucky’s waterways. 26
Section 2. The Senate encourages the Energy and Environment Cabinet to 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 2051
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compile a report detailing findings, strategies, and legislative recommendations for 1
removing waste tires from Kentucky’s waterways and to submit the report to the 2
Legislative Research Commission on or before December 1, 2025. 3
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 4
Resolution and notification of its adoption to the secretary of the Energy and 5
Environment Cabinet, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. 6